Wisdom Wednesday

The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 12:26

It’s a strange thought. Choosing your friends. But we do don’t we? We have a choice and there aren’t many more important choices than who we surround ourselves with. I wish I had understood this wisdom sooner. For much of my life, I surrounded myself with people who led me astray rather than closer to Jesus. What about you?

Does this mean we shouldn’t be friends with unbelievers? Well, in some situations maybe you shouldn’t! If they lead you to continue to fall into temptation and sin, then maybe it’s time to rethink those relationships. Sometimes it’s Christians who cause us the most trouble!

But no, I would suggest that for most, having unbelievers friends is crucial to us winning more people to Jesus (and they can be really great friends). 

Whether believer or unbeliever, ask the question - do they take me further away or closer to Jesus? If further away, is there a way to change that dynamic? Choose wisely.

For Today:

• Do you have close friends who bring you closer to Jesus?
• Do you have friends who lead you further away?
• Do you need to make any hard choices here?

Pray:

• Praise the Father that He is our friend and not our enemy.
• Give thanks for the friendship of Christ who is closer than a brother.
• Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others choose friends wisely.