When Jairus the synagogue leader begged Jesus to come and heal his daughter, Jesus invited only three of His disciples to come along. Those disciples were Peter, John, and James. But, why didn’t Jesus invite, say, Thomas or Judas Iscariot? Ricky Temple (Pastor from Savannah, Georgia ) commented that Thomas would have been skeptical about the whole “healing business,” and Judas would have been concerned about the finances. I think there's some truth to that observation.
A Japanese proverb says that, “If you cannot tell a person’s character, then take a look at his friends.” Yes, who you hang out with, who you spend time with, and who you share your thoughts and feelings with do matter.
Some may disagree with me. After all, Jesus spent time with sinners, so why shouldn’t we? Aren’t we a bit too pretentious when we say we love sinners but keep our distance from them? I think that is a rather naïve and simplistic view. Jesus was fully man and fully God. He was not affected by those who knowingly and unknowingly tried to alter His purpose and goal. He was committed, determined, and unwavering. Sure, He spent time with people of questionable characters and professions. But, there is no evidence that He became “like” them as the result of hanging out with them. Now, I wish that that were the case for us as well. But, we are not Jesus. We must admit that people mutually and reciprocally influence one another.
My wife and I recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. I’ve learned a lot about her over the past 25 plus years: I know about her habits, tendencies, attitudes, beliefs, disposition, etc. In fact, I have adopted and embraced many of her attributes and qualities (for the better, I might add). I think we are more alike each other than when we were dating, and some folks swear that we even talk like each other, using similar words and expressions. I will take one step further. OMG, we are starting to look alike!
Seriously, who you hang out with, and who you spend time with, matter--and matter gravely.
I remember teaching a high school girl who had a negative disposition toward just about everything. I couldn’t figure out why she was like that until I met her mother. The mother was suffering from depression, and her critical spirit was clearly contagious. The daughter who saw, heard, and felt her mom’s negative spirit every single day became that way herself.
Who do you spend time with? Who are your close friends or confidants? How much influence do they have on you? Do stop and think about it. Don’t let the naysayers and overly critical people turn you into a sourpuss. Don’t let the dishonest and crafty people to make you become one of them.
For all the young people out there, choose your friends and companions wisely. Listen to those who love you and point you to Jesus. When such people caution you about your companions, don’t be too quick to dismiss their warnings. Don’t assume that all of your friends are true friends. Be very careful about the company you keep.
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