By: Rick Warren
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV).
Let’s agree upfront that God wants you to have non-believers as friends. God wants you to love everyone, show kindness to everyone, and be able to help everyone. If you don’t have any non-Christian friends, you won’t be around anyone who needs to hear the Good News.
But your best friends should be Christians. They should be strong believers.
It’s always easier to pull people down than to pull them up. That’s why you must make sure the people you hang out with the most are moving you in the right direction. They should be building you up rather than tearing you down.
Where do you want to be in 10 years? What kind of person do you want to be? Tell me two things about you and I can tell you where you’ll be without even knowing you. Tell me the people you’re spending your time with and what you’re reading. Those two factors will determine your future.
The Bible teaches us, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV).
Your friends are too important to pick by chance. You must be intentional. That’s why you need a church home. Get to know people at church. Build relationships. Join a small group.
Or start a group! Gather some Christian friends from your office or your neighborhood to study the Bible together during lunch. You need Christian friends. Do what it takes to build those relationships.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>
Talk It Over
Look at your key friendships in life. How do your closest friends help you with your spiritual commitments — or do they help?
How have you seen bad friendships cause you or someone else to make poor choices in the past?
What can you do to make more Christian friends this week?
How can you be a friend who builds others up?
www.friendshipowasso.org
