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“You Are Who Your Friends Are”

Thoughts for Today:

I think Paul must have been talking with my mother, because our passage today is a quote she imprinted almost daily upon my mind: "Bad company corrupts good character." Or in her words, "You are who your friends are." I still had to test it myself.

I remember one of my childhood friends liked to shoplift candy at the local drugstore. At first I was completely offended by the act, "How could you do that!" And I refused to participate or share in any of his ill gotten gain. But I kept hanging out with him. Why? Because he was a little edgy, funny, and always available to play. I thought that maybe I could change him. Perhaps he would become more moral, and less inclined to choose the wrong path. I was wrong.

One day, we were on our way to the local drugstore, but this time I didn't have any money. He told me not to worry about it, he would get the candy I liked. Somehow I no longer felt offended by the thought. Then I remembered what my mother told me, "You are what your friends are." I realized I was becoming more like my friend, a thief -- he wasn't becoming like me. I turned around, rode my bike home alone, and ended that friendship.

Questions to Ponder:

Christian men often come to me seeking a change in their lives. True change begins with Jesus, His life, sacrifice, God's forgiveness, and the resurrection (our death with Him to sin and rebirth as a new creation). These concepts are encouraging because, as believers, we've learned that we don't need to give in to sin. It no longer has power over us. Yet some people still struggle with the old ways. Almost invariably it's because they refuse to change their relationship with people who are still involved in sinful activities. They want to hang out in the same places and with the same people. But it just doesn't work. Do you desire a true adjustment in your Christian walk? What people or circumstances do you need to avoid? Is bad company corrupting your attempt to improve your character?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.