A companion of fools suffers ruin. Proverbs 13:20
This devotion is about happens when we hang out with the wrong kind of people. This is especially important as parents of young children who pray for the right kind of friends and future spouses, as we know since one bad friend can change the course of a life. But it is important in all stages of life as the friends we choose, can indeed make us or break us. "One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch", the saying goes. Also a bad friend can lead to a life of misery as well.
Now what about witnessing and winning the lost to Christ you may say? That indeed is crucial but we are not to hang out and be imbedded in the lifestyle of people we know purposely are doing things against the law or the Bible or before we know it we could become desensitized. But you still need to be kind to all types of people and show them God's love just do not get sucked down into their pit with them. After all God was a friend of the sinners and those society cast off.
A rule of thumb in selecting friends is to ask yourself, "Do my friends lead me closer to God or away from Him?" Now this is not to say you can not befriend unchurched people but if you knowingly hang out with people doing things against the will of God is what I am referring too. If we do not hang out with unchurched friends then how will they ever know of the love of Jesus? Break out of your holy huddle but use caution in doing so.
My prayer for my own children, who are now adults, is a simple one. In John 17:15 it says "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." We are in the world. We can not live in a bubble. Evil is out there. Be a light in the darkness around you.This friend thing is important in the adult world too as business people can get caught up in schemes to cheat and steal just to make more money so even at work be careful. Witness and be salt but stand up for the truth and for righteousness.
My prayer for my own children, who are now adults, is a simple one. In John 17:15 it says "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." We are in the world. We can not live in a bubble. Evil is out there. Be a light in the darkness around you.This friend thing is important in the adult world too as business people can get caught up in schemes to cheat and steal just to make more money so even at work be careful. Witness and be salt but stand up for the truth and for righteousness.
PRAYER: Lord guide my steps each day and let me not wander from the path you have chosen for me but protect me if I do. In Jesus' name. Amen.
