When The Door Slams
A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools. Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good. (Proverbs 13:19-21 ESV)
We can, choose who we allow into our circle of influence. Somewhere in the pre-teen years, parents' influence gives way to peers'. For a season, friends loom large on our values and habits. This is good and healthy as young adults learn to make independent decisions. It is necessary, but it can also be dangerous. Patents determine the habits and beliefs of their children up to about age ten. Between ten and sixteen, their friends determine their habits, though parents can still control which friends they spend time with. After kids learn to drive, however, only your previous parenting will prevail on their values. That's why teaching teens to choose their friends wisely is the single most important responsibility of parents during that season.
1: Anger. Right after Solomon prologue in Proverbs, he wrote to his son about peer pressure: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent." Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare" (22:24-25). Young people are often drawn to the brash and bold. It feels exciting to run with the bulls and bully the weak. Be warned. Boys who cant's control their temper often lack a father to control them. Often girls who bully have been bullied.
2: Deceit. King David said, I do not sit with men of falsehood, nor do I consort with hypocrites. I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked" (Psalm 26:4-5). Honesty is the foundation of every human relationship. Where there is deception, there can be no intimacy between lovers, no trust in business, no teamwork in sports, and no alliance between nations. Deception is the camouflage for addiction, the weapon of political corruption, and the tool of swindlers, fakes, and thieves. "The deceiver" is the nickname of the Antichrist (2 John 7) and the devil (Revelation 12:9). You can't afford a deceptive friend.
3: Pride. Paul warned the Corinthians, "Your bosting is not good (1 Corinthians 5:6). The metaphor about leaven was also used by Jesus in the same context of pride: "Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees" (Matthew 16:6). The Jewish religious leaders opposed Jesus because of his popularity. The desire for power and prominence blinded them. Likewise, the leaders of the Corinthian church opposed Paul because of his influence in the community. A person of pride is easy to identify. They demean others behind their backs and build themselves up to your face. Beware. They are not your friend; you are their puppet. It may feel good to be in the orbit of the proud and popular, but there is far more to lose than gain from their association.
Think about this: you may need new friends. I understand your objection: "Didn't Jesus tell us to be salt and light?" Yes, he did (Matthew 5:13-16)! You absolutely should influence those around you. However, your five closest friends will have as great an impact on you as you do on them.
Meditation In Action: 1: How have you seen negative influences shape your life, whether currently or in a past season? 2: How do you balance positively influencing others and protecting yourself from negative influences? 3: Is there anyone in your circle you need to influence more? Is there anyone you need to allow less influence over you? 4: Which friend has the most influence on your behavior and attitude?
Meditate on: Matthew 5:13-16; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.
Never Rest Ministries
No comments:
Post a Comment