Whether it’s a new class at school or college or a new job you are starting – exercise spiritual diligence in the relationships you form.
Friends are important. Some may dare us; drag us; depress us; deny us; disappoint us; discourage us or maybe — deplete us. And, of course, others will be a real blessing. It’s an ancient adage but a very current reality – that we often become like those with whom we spend our time.
Have you ever had a friend who dared you to do something you had never done before and had never thought of ever doing? Or a friend who dragged you down or away or into something that eventually troubled you? Do you have a friend or two and, with them, you are more likely to cross more boundaries or violate your conscience from time to time?
Have you thought much about your inner circle of friends lately and whether they are a negative or a positive influence in your life spiritually? Have you thought about the danger of making new friends at this critical point in your life who will pull you away from all that is spiritually important to you – your beliefs, your convictions, your familiar circle of Christian friends, your Bible and even your Lord? It happens far more often than you may think.
David and Jonathon were good friends. Read about their friendship in 1Samuel. Even though Jonathon’s father, King Saul, raging with jealousy, had viciously turned against David, Jonathon risked his own life for their friendship. The son of a king, Jonathon forfeited his own interest as an heir to the throne for David’s sake. David was hiding in the thick forest. King Saul was out to get him. It was at that vulnerable point in David’s life when his friend Jonathon tracked him down.
And Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God.1 Samuel 23:16
When have you last encouraged your friend in God? Do you have friends who are able to encourage you in God?
New friends can be the greatest blessing or the biggest snare in your life. Feeling all alone, you may fall for a new friend. She may enthusiastically tell you that she too is a Christian. She too reads her Bible and loves the Lord. She too wants to be a witness and a light in a dark environment. And she is probably telling you the truth, but she may believe and practise things that are foreign to you and maybe foreign to the Bible. Both of you may be energized and excited about becoming a powerful duo for the Lord in your sphere of influence. It may feel that finally you have met your soulmate.
Would it surprise you if someone warned you that if your friendship deepens, you may not be around your familiar Christian circles this time next year? You may throw overboard what your Sunday School teachers and spiritual shepherds have taught you and if your parents are Christians – what they have taught you too. Yes, you may be lured into a new circle and sever your ties with practically everything you believe today.
Such friendships rarely develop with sirens blaring. A new friend usually doesn’t have a sign on his shirt: “Beware of me. I may mess you up.” In fact, it all happens so naturally, normally, easily, and appealingly. Most effective traps are like that.
Check out a short heaven4sure Idiom Video: Beat Around the Bush
Of course, your new friend harbours no sinister motives. Your friend doesn’t perceive herself to be a snare, but things happen, and you find yourself ensnared.
Be wise about school and campus activities that have commendable goals and objectives. While you may agree with the desired end, you will learn from the Scriptures, the end does not justify the means.
Be very careful. Proceed ever so cautiously. Maintain close contact with Christians who have already been in your life and cared for you up until now and who have your best interests at heart. Of course, it goes without saying that some new friend could bring great blessing into your life. The point is: be spiritually cautious and bring your relationships before the Lord for guidance.
This last point is not a minor one. Many have learned quickly but far too late that it is much, much more difficult to hold Scriptural ground with diverse ‘professing’ Christians than with unbelievers who make no claims of knowing Christ.
Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ,
Peter Ramsay
UPDATED 20 Online Lessons for Brand New Believers Covering the Basics Easy sign-up
Free vehicle magnet 9″X2.5″” (22.5cmX6cm) A quiet Gospel witness. “Let your light shine.” An inoffensive way to help promote the Gospel in traffic and parking lots. Unlike decals, magnets can be removed easily.
Tabernacle 101 Once-a-week-email study – short and to the point.
Automatic Signatures work! If you include www.heaven4sure.com in your automatic email signature, you will increase the number of visitors to the Gospel site. This is particularly relevant if you are in contact with those who do not yet know Christ.
FACEBOOK or social media link to heaven4sure? Links really do work! People are finding the site through such links.