Christian Living

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"A friend to the world is the enemy of God."

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As the old saying goes, "Birds of a feather flock together". What type of people do you call friends? What are their hobbies and interests? If they are negative, and out of control this will reflect upon you even if you are positive and in control. Your association with the wrong kinds of people will tarnish your reputation and ultimately you could be swayed by their negative influences.

Although peer pressure is strong for young people, you must take a stand for your life and choose not to hang with the wrong crowd. You must make the decision to part with those who could damage your life�s potential. The Bible tells us to, "Be not unequally yoked with non-believers, for what communion has light with dark."

The Bible speaks explicitly of the types of people we should avoid. "Fornicators, adulterers, drunkards, idolaters ..." And the list goes on, we are not to keep company with or eat with them. Parting company with them might be the thing that gets their attention to change. But you must not concern yourself with what they think of your decision to do so.

You friendship with someone may have begun long before they�re bad habits and behavior began or began to reveal itself. The moment you begin to see signs of poor behavior, start distancing yourself.

But first the Lord holds you accountable to warn your friend of the consequences of their actions. It takes a great deal of courage and strength to issue a warning to someone, but that is the duty of a true friend. If that friend takes heeds to your warning, then you have gained a friend. If not, then you have a good conscience before the Lord and will not be held accountable for your friend�s outcome. But of course continue to pray for them.

Its sad to say but sometimes you have to distance yourself even from relatives who are choosing to compromise the quality of their lives with drugs, alcohol or other addictive and destructive behavior. They too can reek havoc in your life.

But you have the same moral obligation to issue them warning and continue to pray for them. Don�t worry if your warnings are not well received. Your accountability to God still requires this of you. After that, He will take responsibility for them, because they may require "tough love" which is a form of chastisement from the Lord. "The Lord chastens those whom he loves."

Sometimes they need to feel the consequences of they�re actions before they can turn around. At this point you may have to wait until the Lord�s chastisement is fulfilled. But assure them of your love and continue to pray for them.


© 2009

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