Is choosing your friends carefully really important, or should we “hang out” with anyone and everyone? Would we base our decision on whether a potential friend is a popular person, a scholar, wealthy, or an important public official? Do we want this person to be full of worldly wisdom—such as evolution, transgender, or other philosophical “facts”? In answering this question, we should be honest with ourselves and reflect on our past relationship experiences to confirm the truth of the Scriptures.
Choosing your Friends
The kind of friends to choose are companions who do not apply peer pressure to lead a person astray, but rather make a positive impact on one’s future. Let’s see what the Lord Jesus asked His Father for His future apostles:
John 17:15
“I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.”
Solomon and Paul the apostle provide much wisdom in regards to picking those with whom we should or should not associate.
Choosing Friends Wisely
Solomon writes about the fools, the foolish, the wicked and the angry. Through Solomon, God’s Word tells us:
Proverbs 12:26
The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Proverbs 14:7
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
Proverbs 22:24-25
Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.
Wisdom and Light verses Darkness
In addition to informing us that wisdom is from above, and foolishness is from the world, Paul shares what the Spirit put upon his heart to write in regards to choosing with whom we should or should not “hang out.”
Romans 16:17
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
1 Corinthians 5:9
I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
2 Corinthians 6:14
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion [fellowship] has light with darkness?
Ephesians 5:11
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
2 Thessalonians 3:6
But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he [they] received from us.
Easily Influenced
As a matter of fact, all age groups can be shaped or influenced, but those with whom we should be especially concerned are children and grandchildren. Parents should set the example. The Lord Jesus taught His disciples to pray in this manner:
Matthew 6:13
“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
Hope
But there is a dilemma. Although we do not consistently join together with people who practice sin, we need to remember that we have an errant past. Those who’ve swallowed their pride and come to believe are now appointed to be the light of the earth and to be reconcilers. So we must be patient to wait for open doors which give opportunity to gently and respectfully share the saving Gospel message to the foolish so that they can have this same hope and eternal life.
1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Ephesians 2:1-5
And you [believer] He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, (by grace you have been saved)
Be the Light
Since the Savior was resurrected and ascended to heaven, He appointed those who have received His light to do what He had been doing while here in this world:
Matthew 5:14a
“You are the light of the world”
The Spirit inspired Paul the apostle to remind us:
2 Corinthians 5:18
Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
We will leave you with this question:
How do you choose your friends?
Do you follow God’s prescription?
Comments and Questions Welcome
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How to Receive Eternal Life Posts
Would you like to find out why believers have hope of Eternal Life and how to develop a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ? Check out these blog posts if your answer is “yes”:
How can I Receive Eternal Life? / Eternal Life as easy as A-B-C-D
Why do I need the God of the Bible?
Check Out these Interesting Resources:
Uplook Ministry – Fireside Friday by Jabe Nicholson
Warren Henderson Publishing
Christ-centered Books and Messages to Enhance Your Spiritual Growth
The Olive Plants – Raising Spiritual Children by Warren Henderson
Solving the Spiritual Dilemma
And check out our latest book “Solving the Spiritual Dilemma” which answers many questions about the hope believers have and how to develop a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.
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For a deeper study into Jesus’ next coming and the signs of the time check out our 3-in-1 Study Guide:
“Digging Deep into the Revelation of Jesus Christ”.
It is a one-of-a-kind reference for anyone striving to understand the Book of Revelation in the Bible.
This study guide for the Book of Revelation is revolutionary and unique.
On each page it contains:
-the original scripture,
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For someone studying Revelation, this one reference saves time and enhances understanding without making the mistake of translating scripture. This enables the reader to make his/her own conclusions about the meaning in the Word as inspired by God.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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Todays blog was very relevant to my prayers for a man who I dearly love bit chooses worldy (hunting) over things of the LORD. In my shaking of my head at his priorities Ivwas being reminded by the LORD that I have and still di the same thing. LORD keep us from evil. See you at Digging Deeper…LORD WILLING
Thank you, my friends in CHRIST for all you do.
Please pray for me as I continue to grow in our LORD.
May GOD bless you always.
Hello Jan,
Thank you for your kind words. Your comments are very much appreciated.
We pray that the Lord will give you wisdom to understand and grow in His word. Blessings to you.