There are people who make you better.
There are people who pull you off course.
It has been said that if you want to know who you will be in ten years, look at your friends today.
I have lived long enough to know it is true.
The people closest to me do not just influence me.
They form me.
Their words echo in my head.
Their habits rub off on my own.
Their faith or their doubt shapes mine.
Proverbs says it this way:
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
That is not just poetry.
It is a pattern.
Who I walk with shapes where I end up.
Many parents tell their children to choose good friends.
But then those same parents run with the gossiping crowd.
Or the negative crowd.
Or the careless crowd.
We forget that the lesson was for us too.
I have lived this firsthand.
There are relationships I had to separate myself from.
I did not like who I was when I was with them.
Others have been a constant guidepost for me.
They keep me grounded.
They keep me spiritually aware.
If my circle is hopeful, I begin to see possibility.
If my circle is bitter, I learn to complain.
If my circle is generous, I loosen my grip.
If my circle is rooted in Christ, I grow deeper in Him too.
We were never meant to walk alone.
But we were also never meant to walk with just anyone.
So I ask myself two questions.
Who is shaping me.
And who am I shaping.
Because friendship is never one directional.
We are always forming one another.
The path I walk tomorrow begins with the company I keep today.
—
If this encouraged you, share it with a friend who makes you better.
Subscribe: https://www.firstlightblog.org
One thought, every weekday morning, straight to your inbox for free!
#FirstLightwithNate #Wisdom #Faith #Leadership
This is such a timely reminder🙏The company we keep truly shapes our hearts, minds, and faith as Proverbs 13:20 says Walk with the wise and become wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm It also brings to mind 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled Bad company corrupts good character Our friends influence our habits, attitudes, and even our spiritual growth.Choosing wisely and surrounding ourselves with those rooted in Christ strengthens us, as Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up We are called to be intentional about our relationships, guarding our hearts as Proverbs 4:23 says Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it At the same time, we should reflect Christ in our friendships, encouraging and uplifting others as 1 Thessalonians 5:11 teaches Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing Friendship is a two-way street; we are both shaped by others and shaping others by our words, actions, and faith.Choosing a circle that inspires prayer, service, and godly living helps us grow closer to Jesus and fulfill His calling in our lives Thank you for sharing this encouragement we are praying for wisdom to walk with godly friends and to be that kind of friend who lifts others up from India🙏🇮🇳✝️
“Bad company corrupts good morals.”