May Your Friends Be His Also!
Friday's Devotion (4-11-08)
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." Psalms 1:1 (KJV)
Well, it looks like another devotion on the company/friends we keep. I know, not what I was expecting either! But anyway, the company we keep is very important because no matter how strong we are in our beliefs if we're around people who are ungodly then we'll begin acting as they do, and speaking as they do. Our flesh is not as strong as our spirit! If you're around someone who uses a lot of profanity then most likely you'll start using profanity. The Bible even goes as far to tell us not to live with non-believers (But it also says don't leave your spouse if they don't believe.) I would hate for someone to leave their spouse because I misrepresented the scriptures! However, my point is that being around people who aren't right with God does have an effect on us: Spiritually, mentally, it effects our walk with Christ, and sometimes it effects us physically. So, while it may not seem important who you are friends with it definitely is important!
On the other hand, it's very hard to just walk away from a friend. We want to be a light to them too, and bring them to Christ. So, we can't walk away in a manner that says, "I think I'm too good for you." We're never too good for anyone, only God is good anyway. So, I would say not to break off the friendship, but to not be so tied up in it. Don't spend your days with these people. Instead limit your time with them. But this is my opinion... I'm curious as to how some of you would deal with it. Back when I was first saved I just dumped my friends, and looking back on it I don't think that was the right thing to do completely. I did grow spiritually, but that probably wasn't being the best of witness to them. I really want to make a conversation out of this, because I want to know what would you... Or what did you do? Maybe the situation is different for everyone and some of us have to completely walk away. But nonetheless please do get involved in this conversation as it would help me greatly to get a better idea of how to handle the situation.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this message and for all things. Please forgive us of all our sins as we forgive all those who've sinned against us. Help us to pick who we keep company with wisely. Let our friends be your friends also. In Jesus name. A-men!
God bless!