As a parent, I’ve always been aware of the children that my two boys have associated with. If they hang out with thieves this would greatly increase the risk of my boys becoming a thief. Same with liars and any other character flaws.
- Proverbs 13:20 says, 'Whoever walks with wise people will be wise, but whoever associates with fools will suffer.'
I would imagine from this that wise people will not associate with fools?
Author of '7 Ways to Build a Better You', Sheri Rose Shepherd says this: ‘Surround yourself with what you want to become, because you become what you surround yourself with.’
We are challenged to choose our friends very wisely. Those you associate yourself with can make you or break you. 1 Corinthians 15:33 states clearly, 'Do not be fooled. "Bad companions ruin good character.'
Fools will drag you into their fights. They will label you and try to get you to justify their sins and weaknesses. Fools will ensure that you are guilty by association. They will ask for your advise and seek your counsel to flatter you in order to ensnare you.
Genuine friendships that God builds in your life will always have eternal benefits. God friendships produce Godly blessings, glorious outcomes and are highly encouraging - always pointing to Jesus.
Bad friendships will always be destructive, negative, self-seeking and running down other people. Stay clear of people who have the potential to lead you into such an end. No matter how old you are or how wise you think you are, you will never be immune.
God has something better for you. Great Godly people are always uplifting and not a burden.
If someone is a weight on you, remember one thing...You are not the Saviour, so don’t suffer from ‘Saviour Syndrome’. Hand them over to Jesus and walk on. This is not rejecting them but rather the opposite. This is showing them that they can’t coerce you into lowering your standards. This is directing them to finding Jesus as their all-sufficient Lord and Saviour for themselves. This is real love.
Give yourself the best chance possible to have the best life, abounding in God’s fullness. Surround yourself with people who reflect that life and don’t become a fool.
God bless you Godly saint. Live for Jesus.
Pastor Daren.
Back
