Proverbs 12:26: a righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Ever since college started, I’ve consistently encountered situations where I found myself debating whether or not I should attend certain events in order to continue the stable relationship I have with the three of my best friends. As I was aware that I easily gave into temptation in these environments, took on a different attitude that didn’t reflect my true self, and been apt to regret my past actions, I still wound up going against my beliefs. However, as I have grown closer in faith with Christ this second quarter, I’ve found that I am less drawn to these types of surroundings. Sadly, I have also found that growing distant from this lifestyle also meant growing distant from these friends of mine.
I’ve realized that God has started to prune out the people that has negatively influenced my life, and started to bring in people that has allowed me to begin my spiritual journey and growth in the Lord. However, I hate to think that these friends that know me inside and out, and have been there for me throughout the toughest stages of my life, are the ones that I now have to keep my distance from because they have started to jokingly criticize and make fun of my decisions in adjusting my lifestyle to become more Christ- like.
Moreover, Proverbs 13:20 states: “he who walks with the wise [will] grow wise, but a companion of fools [will] suffer harm.” The bible also says that we are “not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers… -2 Corinthians 6:14,” “to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way… -Romans 16:17,” and “to keep away from every brother who is idle… -2 Thessalonians 3:6”
Knowing that my friends are unbelievers and have caused a few divisions and offenses in my past, am I now suppose to "watch" myself from wanting to build that close relationship with them again? Are my best friends really considered to be the “fools” that will harm me if I continue to engage with their actions? To be honest, it hurts to see that my three friends are getting even closer, as I’m the only one drifting away.
Uh huh...very INTERESTING. LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Mindy. It's great to see that you are able to see how God is working in your life. I'm hopeful that you were able to stay strong despite the temptations you had to fight off. I pray that you'll be able to one day find a good meeting point with those distant friends of yours. Good job posting your first one! but sorry...you already had 3 strikes?! time to sing for the small group :)
I feel like I went through the same thing my freshman year! I feel like I kind of talked to you about this that one night for our small group outing in the bowling alley lol If you remember :)
ReplyDeleteBut I definitely grew apart from my high school friends, and I had the same questions and fears.. all that time spent developing my relationships with them.. but I realized there's only so much I can do and everything will happen in God's time and in his plan.
I just try to pray for them (which I should be doing more often..) and love on them when I get the chance.. because I really think they're in need of it. And I try not to let it get me down that I've changed so much from them.. because I'm doing so well with more Jesus in my life, and with friends that I can grow and learn with.