Royal Friendships

A great reason to be discerning of who we call a friend is that friends influence us. They are given the opportunity by the proximity we allow them and the privileges we give them to download their beliefs, outlook on life, attitudes, counsel, and values into our lives. It is for this reason the writer of Proverbs strongly cautions us to let the heart and character of a person determine if we give them the privilege of being called a friend. As the writer of Proverbs 22:11 states, “He who loves purity of heart and whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend.”
So, does the buddy or girlfriend you love to cut up with deserve to be at the top of your friends list? In what direction are they taking you? What keeps you in a friendship with your closest friends?

This is also an important reason to get involved in our kid’s list of friends. In the New Testament we are given a strong warning in 1 Corinthians 15:33—“Be not deceived, evil company corrupts good morals.”  Are their friends encouraging or discouraging what you desire to see in the life of your children?