How Important Is It To Have The Right Friends?

1 Cor. 15:33 - Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."    NASU
 
Prov. 13:20 - He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.  
                       
Prov. 13:20 - Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.   (from THE MESSAGE) 
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• A Parent's Concern    

As a parent, with whom my children associated while they were growing up was a matter of great concern. (I am still concerned with whom they associate.)
 
We know that associating with the wrong people can have an influence on them exactly like it can have an influence on us. We know both parents and children can be influenced by bad examples and that is why it is important to associate with people who are of good reputable character.

To be perfectly clear, a bad example in my mind is a person who is negative, lazy, always worrying, believes everyone else gets all the breaks in life, doesn't trust in God, abuses alcohol and drugs and doesn't do good to others.

• The Affects Of One Bad Apple

We have all heard the saying, "It only takes one bad apple to spoil the whole bunch."

Studies have been done on the affect of one negative person in the work place. When that person is out sick or on vacation the atmosphere in the work place will become positive and lively.

Once that person returns it goes back to being an unhappy place filled with tension and conflict.
 
As you can see the Bible doesn't place an age limit on this warning. It is not just for those in their teen years or twenties. These verses are for people of all ages.

You associate with the wrong person or crowd and you will pay the price for this association.

• Show Me Your Friends and I Will Show You Your Future. 

Regardless of your age this saying is true. Euripides (480-406 B.C.) wrote in his play “Phoenix” that “Every man is like the company he keeps.”
 
Year ago Bill Gates was asked that question, “What is one of your main formulas for success?” Without blinking an eye he said “Hiring smart people as well as surrounding yourself with smart people.” 

It should not surprise us then that one of Bill's closest friends is Warren Buffet. Warren Buffet is one of America's most respected men in the financial arena.
 
Surrounding yourself with the right people will help you on the road to success. 

• So How Do You Make The Change?

If you are reading this and know that you are associating with the wrong crowd or person but don't know how to break away from this relationship maybe this will help.

1. Ask Yourself Some Honest Questions

Are my friends helping or encouraging me to be the best I can be? Am I spending too much of my time just spinning my wheels with these associations?
 
When Magic Johnson and Larry Bird stepped on to the basketball court they challenged each other to be the best.

Do you have someone challenging you to be your best?

1. Is It Time You Moved On? 

Once you have answered the questions above that you need a change of friends you need to realize it will not be easy but it will be necessary.

So how do you move on in life?

Find new places to go where you can mentally and spiritually grow or in other words "change your environment". 

This is what worked for me. When I was in my mid 20's I realized that my life wasn't going anywhere. I had already spent time in jail for possession of drugs.

I left that environment and found new friends and a new life in Christ. If I can do it then you can do it.

Think on This:

It has been said, "You can't change your friends, but you can change friends."

Stay Pumped,

Gary A. Serago

Minister of God's Word