C is for Companion - (meditation by Pam)
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| Source: fallingstarlett.blogspot.com |
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20
The Bible is clear that we are to be careful whom we hang around with. As much as we try to convince ourselves that we will not be changed by the bad behavior of our close friends, God warns us otherwise. “Do not be fooled. ‘Bad companions ruin good character.’" 1 Corinthians 15:33 (GNT)
Yet, many of us insist on taking the risk. One young man in particular haunts my memory.
When Troy was fourteen, he started attending church with his cousin, Joel. For the next two and a half years Troy spent all his time (outside of school) with a group of teens and young adults who met weekly for Bible study and more often socially. Troy was on fire for Jesus!
A particularly attractive young woman joined the group, though she only came sporadically and usually spent the time trying to distract Troy from the study. Troy was smitten and the two began dating. Gradually, his attendance waned till it was rare to find him there. After my husband and I moved from the area we lost contact with him altogether.
I recently ran into Troy’s cousin, Joel at a wedding and naturally asked about Troy. Joel shook his head slowly back and forth. “He’s married and has a couple kids. He’s not been to church in years. The only time I see him anymore is at family events.”
Sadly, the path Troy followed is a commonly traveled one, not just today, but in Biblical times also. Many of us remember the account of Samson. (Judges 14-16) The downfall of Amnon at the urging of his friend, Jonadab, is lesser known. (2 Samuel 13:1-6)
Thankfully, the flip side is true, too—we can become wise by walking with the wise. The stories of Jonathan and David, Paul and Timothy, and the twelve disciples prove the truth of this proverb.
So, choose your companions carefully. Walk with the wise and become wise yourself.
Reflection on Proverb by Pam Williams, member of 1st Writes. Her blog is 2 Encourage.
Yet, many of us insist on taking the risk. One young man in particular haunts my memory.
When Troy was fourteen, he started attending church with his cousin, Joel. For the next two and a half years Troy spent all his time (outside of school) with a group of teens and young adults who met weekly for Bible study and more often socially. Troy was on fire for Jesus!
A particularly attractive young woman joined the group, though she only came sporadically and usually spent the time trying to distract Troy from the study. Troy was smitten and the two began dating. Gradually, his attendance waned till it was rare to find him there. After my husband and I moved from the area we lost contact with him altogether.
I recently ran into Troy’s cousin, Joel at a wedding and naturally asked about Troy. Joel shook his head slowly back and forth. “He’s married and has a couple kids. He’s not been to church in years. The only time I see him anymore is at family events.”
Sadly, the path Troy followed is a commonly traveled one, not just today, but in Biblical times also. Many of us remember the account of Samson. (Judges 14-16) The downfall of Amnon at the urging of his friend, Jonadab, is lesser known. (2 Samuel 13:1-6)
Thankfully, the flip side is true, too—we can become wise by walking with the wise. The stories of Jonathan and David, Paul and Timothy, and the twelve disciples prove the truth of this proverb.
So, choose your companions carefully. Walk with the wise and become wise yourself.
Reflection on Proverb by Pam Williams, member of 1st Writes. Her blog is 2 Encourage.
Oh Proverbs is my favorite book in the Bible. Such practical application for our daily lives can be found in that book. I wish had thought of this theme for the A-Z challenge this year.
ReplyDeleteYou can get a head start on next year's challenge, Wanda.
DeleteThis is such a good reminder for daily life. And I like the sheep picture. :)
ReplyDeleteDawn picked that photo. It really is a perfect fit.
DeleteWonderful post! New follower here. I’m enjoying reading my fellow “A to Z”ers. I look forward to visiting again.
ReplyDeleteSylvia
http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Sylvia! I will look you up!
DeleteI was blessed to have goody goody friends in high school. Oh, how that kept me out of trouble. I just lucked into it. Now, I can see, though others, how easy it would have been to get in with the wrong crowd.
ReplyDeleteAnd now, the more I hang with my Christian friends, the more Christ-like I want to be.
Thanks for the post Pam!
Thanks for the excellent picture, Dawn, and for your faithful comments.
DeleteOh, yes yes yes! So true - a cautionary tale!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
DeleteYou are who you habg with. That's for sure.
ReplyDeletedreamweaver
If only our kids would learn that early on!
DeleteNice reminder. My pastor always says to keep an eye on your kids and their friends.
ReplyDeleteScribblesFromJenn
Happy A to Z-ing!
That's good advice! Thanks for stopping by Jenn!
Delete