From the Minister's Desk . . .
Gale Nelson

A Message to those with “Friends” (Adapted and revised)
7/20/2003

There was a study made on how young people spend their free time. It said besides listening to their favorite music, they wanted to be around their friends. You probably would agree with this, right? At least you enjoy being with friends who are doing your favorite thing.

How many times have you thought: "the bad influences of my friends don’t affect me. I’m strong enough.” Even when talking with others (parents, preachers, elders, etc.) we often say “My friends don’t influence me to do what is wrong” or “I am a leader.”

No matter what we may think (Isaiah 55:8-9), the Bible has something definitive to say about our friends. Proverbs 24:1 states “Be no envious against evil men, neither DESIRE to be WITH them.” Why not, they are my friends? For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.” (Proverbs 24:2) Furthermore, the Bible states in Cor. 15:33 “Be not deceived: evil communications (companionships) corrupt good manners.” You may be fine now, but if you make friends with those who are morally corrupt, YOU will become morally corrupt as well.

Do you really think that you can outsmart God, because YOU know how to choose your friends? Too many Christians fail to have CLOSE Christian companionships. Yes, we must seek to win souls, and we must NEVER seek to make others feels as if we are better than them. We must show them a better way of living as a child of God. We must not compromise our belief and faith in God to make friends of this world. “A friend of the world is enmity (hostility) against God. Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4)

Choose your friends carefully. The bible is right….do not let Satan beguile you.

UP