CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS WISELY
I attended a farewell function of a special friend, who retired from his career in the Military. Not only was he exiting the Military, but as a family, they were leaving the country, to return to their home land. As I listened to the words spoken by many, including the departing friend, the tears welled up and it was like the flood gates of heaven opening, with no holding back. I was not alone, for looking around me, many shed a tear. How do you say goodbye to such a giant, who touched so many lives, and in such a humble way?
After the ceremony, we all mingled, had some laughs, took some last photographs and then with a lump in the throat, we had to say goodbye. As we held our dear friends, we realised that our friendship is forever, no matter the distance. Now, let me just say, not once in the time that we have known each other, did we ever feel inferior or belittled in their presence. We encouraged, motivated and uplifted each other all the time. As we left the venue, we realised that it is indeed an honour to be called their friends.
Proverbs 27:17 says: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 says: “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.””
With reference to the above Scriptures from the Bible, it is evident that it is critical for us to align ourselves with people who build us up. With this said, it does not at all mean that we should see ourselves better than others. Yes, when God has an assignment for you to impact someone’s life positively, then go do it.
Ensure that you act upon God’s clear instruction, guided by the Holy Spirit and have others, who are with you in Christ, support you and intercede for you in prayer. However, it is important that the people that you spend time with on a close and more personal level, should be chosen wisely. It should be people who build you up and not break you down. People who encourage you and who are positive and bring out the best in you.
Let us be true to ourselves for a minute. Take some time to think and then answer this question for yourself. Who are you friends with? Are they people who badmouth you, speak behind your back, break you down, lie to you, in every conversation, the focus is just on them or perhaps they only call on you when they are in need? In the long run, this type of friendship could break you down and influence you in such a way, that it starts to corrupt your character, leaving you vulnerable to become like them.
Let me use an example. You love to have tea with your colleagues, but all they talk about is how bad this manager and that supervisor is. Yes, let people air their views, but be careful to fall into the trap of becoming negative like them. Many have lots to say, but when asked in a meeting if they want to speak up, mouths are shut, and no one says a word. If need be, rather get up and excuse yourself, making a statement that you are grateful to have a job.
Another example; in your country you might have some challenges and the one thing after the other happens. Around you, the conversations are negative, focussing only on the bad, eventually ending in curses like, this country is going down the drain. STOP! STOP! STOP! Yes, read the news, be aware, share your views and take a stand. However, never allow the conversations to go south (turn bad). Rather influence those people by highlighting the good things which are so easily overlooked. Motivate people to rather channel their energy to pray and proclaim Gods blessings over the situations and to use more time praying and proclaiming, than arguing and complaining.
Dear reader, my advice today is that if you find yourself in a friendship, where you are experiencing the things I mentioned above and where you are expected to do morally wrong things, which corrupts your character, you need to either take a stand and make your case for things to change, or you need to get out. You might say that it does not bother you, and that is surely your personal choice. However, for me, to wake up in the morning and know that I have people in my life, who stand by me, pray for me, listen to my heart, motivate me and lift me up, those are the true, honest and forever-lasting friends.
I encourage you to take a step back and look at your friendship list. Are they building you up or breaking you down? To avoid your good character from being corrupted, choose your friends wisely. Today, I honour all the good friends in my life and to each one I say, thank you for impacting my life positively.
Love in Christ,
Princess K