Choose Friends Wisely

Friendships (and associations) are important to our lives as social beings.  They give up opportunities to express ourselves, share our best and worst moments, do things together, etc.  Who we choose to be considered a friend (or even an associate) is very important to the success of our own lives.

However, you must be very careful about who you choose to associate with.  If you do not, you may find yourself in compromising situations that may change the course of your life forever.  You should be cautious in your associations if:

1. They are involved in illegal activities.  Depending on the situation, you may find yourself in the middle of their activities.
2. They are not respectful/obedient to governmental or spiritual law.
3. They are more interested in shady dealings and people.
4. They resort to behavior(s) that brings out the worse in others.
5. They are not respectful of others (their property)…or you.

Psalm 1:1-6 – Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

1 Corinthians 15:33 – Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

This list is not exhaustive, but most people (even deep down in their heart) know the type of associations they have: people they would never bring around their family or even give them information on where they live.  They never trust them and are mostly leery about their actions and movements.  However, people want to uphold their ‘loyalty’ to these individuals over their own safety and support.

Many people also hold on to bad associations and relationships in the hope they can change them.  Now, in the arena of evangelism, this is our purpose (to share the Gospel), but hanging out (or making runs) in questionable places at 2am does not produce an evangelistic lifestyle (for example).

When your associations begin (or even remotely begin) to affect your life negatively…as soon as you realize this, walk away from them.  Do not be deceived.  There comes a time when these types of relationships must be cut off.  If you remain in their company, there is a good chance you will find youself committing the same acts; behaving the same; and even carrying the same style of dress and character.  You will one day be in the wrong place at the wrong time – and you will not realize it until it’s almost too late.

• Be very selective in your relationships.
• You want to have relationships that inspire and draw you closer to the Lord (2 Timothy 2:22).
• Have the courage to walk away from those that are detrimental to your life in God.

^{This message is generic and may not be suited to address specific circumstances.  Pray to the Lord and speak with one of your ministry leaders for further information/counseling.}

^{Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/jiuck. Image covered under Creative Commons License.}