Choose Friends Wisely

Proverbs 27:17 says, "iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

The commentary tells us that there is "a mental sharpness that comes from being around good people. And a meeting of minds can help people see their ideas with new clarity, refine them, and shape them into brilliant insights. This requires discussion partners who can challenge each other and stimulate throught --- people who focus on the idea without involving their egos in the discussion; people who know how to attack the thought and not the thinker. Two friends who bring their ideas together can help each other."

I remember when I first heard this verse. My husband had attended a men's conference and he was so very impressed with the speakers at the conference. He said the ministers stressed how men should sharpened one another; not compete with each other all the time. They should encourage one another.

One thing I know is that if you want to build a positive life, find positive friends. If you like to live a godly life, seek the fellowship of godly friends. If you like to live passionately, prayerfully, and purposefully, spend time with people who are already living passionate, prayerful, purposeful lives.

Soon you will discover that you will become more and more like the people who surround you. So surround yourself with people who are like-minded!

Feel thankful for Christian friends. Have you ever been in a place where you seem to be the only person who believed in Jesus? I know I have; it isn't a good feeling because everyone thinks you are weird. The truth is maybe they are weird because they don't believe in Jesus. One thing is for sure we need other people to help encourage us and pray for us. It strengthens us just like iron sharpens iron.

The bible tells us that a "friend sticks closer than a brother." (Provers 18:24)

Everyone wants to feel needed or like, but being in a crowd just makes people feel more aware of their isolation. It is better to have one good friend than a dozen of superficial acquaintances who do not have your best interest at heart. Instead of wishing you could find a true friend, seek to become one. There are plenty of people who need a friend and would like your friendship.

Pray and ask God to reveal Christian friends to you, and then take on the task of being a true friend.

We are indeed rich if we have friends, and old friends should be considered a treasure. Friends who have loved us through the problems and heartaches of life. Count your blessings because friends are indeed a blessing!

Keep in mind Psalm 1:1-2 which says, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night."

Seek friends who have a love for and revere the living God because our friends and associates have a profound influence on us; often in subtle ways. If we insist on friendships with those who mock what God considers important, we might sin by becoming indifferent to God's will. True friends should help, not hinder, you to draw closer to God.

Thought for Today: Need a true friend, try Jesus! A friend who sticks closer than a brother.