I was thinking this morning (Yeah, dangerous thought). We often hear about avoiding people who are bad influences. I even spoke this past Sunday about toxic people. We will even go to I Cor. 15:33 where it says, “Bad company corrupts good morals” to make our case. With that admonition in mind, we will say something along the lines of
“CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS WISELY.”
Or some variation of that.
We are usually thinking that the people we hang around with can have a negative influence on our lives.
And that is true.
But let’s look at in a more positive light. The people we hang around with, the friends we choose, can also influence us for the good. They can encourage us to keep going. They can be the “wind beneath our wings,” so to speak. They will support us, love us, move us, rebuke us, hold us accountable, give insight to us, and a whole host of other positives.
So I suggest we begin choosing and surrounding ourselves with people who can enrich our lives.
Who are you surrounding yourself with these days? What kind of influence are they having on you?
“Father, show me who to choose as my friends and whom I should choose to hang around. May I also be a friend and a confidant and someone who builds others up.”
I definitely don’t disagree… The positive influence is a necessity. The accountability is vital. The encouragement is mandatory.
The last part of your prayer is equally as important… Help me not be the leach in a friendship.
Thanks for the comment Ryan and trust me…you aren’t. I need your friendship.
May we choose friends who are encouraging to us as well as be an encouraging friend to others. Great advice, Bill!
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. And I certainly want to be one of those kinds of friends.