Firm Friendships

In light of students returning to school, I feel it is imperative to consider the topic of influence. Every day, kids leave their parent’s homes in search of who they are, and who they want to become. Who your children become is determined by the people they surrounded themselves with. This idea is true for adults as well. When our friends inspire us to be better people we lead happier lives. Whether it is encouraging us to be healthier, participate in new things, or grow deeper spiritually, your friends influence you. I have even heard people say, “show me your five best friends and I will show you your future.”

This concept makes us evaluate what kind of friends we are surrounding ourselves with, but also what kind of friend we are to others. People say if you have five life long friends you have done well. Friends come and go, but their purpose in your life stays the same. There are positive ways friends can be influenced:

Proverbs 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

But, friends can also have negative influences:

1 Corinthians 15:33

“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

As we reflect on these verses, consider the company you keep, and your contributions to your relationships. Ed Newton shared a beautiful acrostic that gives us a fantastic guideline of friendship.

A FRIEND will……

F Fight for you

R Respect you

I Intercede for you

E Encourage you

N Never give up on you

D Dependable for you

I pray these words encourage you to evaluate your friendships and be a better friend.