I've always heard it was important to keep the right friends. I heard it from my parents, I've told it to my children. Keeping the right friends keeps us not just in good company, but keeps us out of trouble.
I didn't always listen to my parents.
Now I was never in deep trouble, but the potential was there. I hung out with some questionable friends at times. You see, I thought that making friends with everyone was important. I still do. But I wasn't always careful who I allowed to influence me. In fact, I didn't hang out with my church friends at all (even though we remained good friends). I learned some important lessons from this time in my life that I didn't really understand until much later. Choosing the right friends is critical.
None of us are Jesus. And while it's true that he didn't always hang out with the right friends, he was never influenced by them. He was the one doing the influencing. Jesus never compromised his character. Few of us have that kind of strength, to repel the influence of those with different standards. Although we must be working at making friends with everyone, we must choose carefully which friends we hang out with. It makes all the difference in our life of faith.
King David understood this, learned it very early in his life. He found it a great honor to serve the king, Saul. It didn't take long, though, to discover that Saul was not his friend. Saul was out to do terrible things to David, like spread false stories, tell rumors, destroy his reputation and if possible eradicate him. So, David found the right friends (in Saul's son, Jonathan and others) who were faithful not only to David, but also to God. And David trusted God, too.
"I thank you always that you went into action. And I'll stay right here, your good name my hope, in company with your faithful friends." (Psalm 52:9, The Message)
I hung out with some of my best friends this past Friday, at a Christian concert, and had the most incredible time. What an incredible life God has given me and part of it comes from finding the right friends.
I thank you, God, for bringing these faithful people into my life, to influence me with their hope, their questions, their love. They are a gift. And so are you!
Peace ><>
PC
2 comments:
...goes both ways, bud...
and yes, they finally got rid of the filtering software!!
I too was able to spend Friday evening with some of my best friends...it was truly an awesome experience...not just because of the amazing music or the worship experience but because I was with my friends and my family. I was around those who make me feel my best and with whom I feel most comfortable! Thank you my friend for your thoughts that you so lovingly share with us every day. We are blessed!
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