“The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin, But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 AMP
Not all friends are the same. There are those that are casual and those that are close. It is important who we choose wisely for those categories for there are genuine consequences (positive and negative) to the time we spend with others. The Bible puts it this way. “Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” ” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NLT.Who we associate with has a large part in determining who we are becoming.
Psychologists are now observing what the Bible has taught for thousands of years. We tend to become like the company we keep. If our lives are an average of the people we spend the most time with, then who we spend time with is one of the most important decisions we will ever make.
Who are you becoming? Take a look at those people you spend the most time with and you will get an idea of where you are headed.
This weeks’ Proverb suggests that acquaintances come and go, but family is always family. Many of us have those friends who have become like family. Family typically are long term relationships, acquaintances are often temporary. Having many acquaintances that aren’t carefully selected can lead us to make some decisions on temporary relationships. Don’t surrender your future for someone who won’t be in it. Invest in long-term relationships, don’t surrender in short term ones.
A true friend is one who invests in the relationship and sticks closer than a brother. They don’t leave in times of trouble. There is One just like that Who we can always count on. Jesus says that He “will never leave us or forsake us.” (Heb 13:5) I think if you read this blog regularly, you are one who wants to be more like Jesus. Are you becoming more like Jesus? How much time are you spending with Him? Jesus is always there always cares and spending time with Jesus is one of the greatest investments you can ever make.
This week invest in genuine friendships with people that who align with your values and draw near to the One Who loves you.
