Many Christians are not prayerful and intentional about the friendships in their lives. Some just “happen” into “fun” relationships without considering the great potential for good or bad in every relationship. This is a dangerous way to approach something so vital.
The book of Proverbs teaches that friends will come from 4 spiritual gene pools:
- The Wise—Proverbs 1:5, “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:”
- The Simple—Proverbs 14:15, “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.”
- The Foolish—Proverbs 1:7, “…fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
- The Scornful—Proverbs 15:12, “A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
From which spiritual gene pool are you drawing your friends? The desire of a wise Christian is to find spiritual and wise friends—friends who walk in the Spirit. These are friends whose primary interests are things other than the latest YouTube video or funny joke. They actually add to your life in maturing and fun ways.
When you find godly friends, the contribute to your life in three wonderful ways:
- A Spiritual Friend Is Honest When You Are Not Glorifying God.—Proverbs 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
- A Faithful Friend Sharpens You as A Christian—Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
(Note—If you are prone to carnal speech, a good friend is someone whose presence reminds you that such behavior is not becoming of godliness. For instance, if you are a loud and cutting young person, a good friend will not draw you into boisterous behavior and talk.) - A Helpful Friend Is Encouraging in Spirit—Proverbs 18:24, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
It is often said we will become like the books we read, the media we watch and the friends we keep. Indeed, “Nearness is likeness.” Do your friends sharpen you spiritually or do they dull you? A Christian leader’s closest influences should not be the unsaved or carnal Christians. Make good friends today—your future walk and testimony depend upon today’s decisions!
