‘If sinners try to lead you into sin, do not follow them.’Proverbs 1:10
We become like the people we spend the most time with; that’s why it’s so important to choose our friends wisely. The psalmist said, ‘Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers’ (Psalm 1:1 NIV). Another reason why Samson threw his potential away is that he developed unhealthy relationships and they led him astray. Are our friends keeping us from living 100% for God? Do they tear us down or build us up? When we’re with them, do we find ourselves conforming to things that we know are wrong and things we don’t feel good about doing? The book of Proverbs warns us repeatedly about surrounding ourselves with the wrong people. For example: ‘If sinners try to lead you into sin, do not follow them.’ If we’re constantly exposed to wrong attitudes and values, it will eventually take its toll on our lives. So, what kind of friends should we keep? The kind who bring out the best in us, who lift us up, who encourage us, and make us a better person. It’s really important to surround ourselves with some Christian friends who can help us in our faith and gently tell us when we’re going the wrong way. It’s also important to have a mentor figure in our lives so that we can learn and be held accountable. The psalmist said to God: ‘I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts’ (Psalm 119:63 NIV). This doesn’t mean that we should only have Christian friends, but we do need to be careful about who is influencing us and who is speaking into our lives. What Now? Do you have a friend who always encourages you in your faith? thank them for their friendship and tell them how much it means to you.
