Standing Right!

The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin, But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother. PROVERBS 18:24 AMP

Is there anything bad in having a lot of people around you as friends? I believe a review of biblical experiences will help clarify this. Firstly, Jesus needed to bring in a few people to join in at his work. He prayed all night and chose 12, yet one of them was Judas Iscariot. Was it a mistake? Did he pray amiss? Even for a man with only 2 friends, God allows some things to teach lessons on fundamental dependence on God alone.

Secondly, Abraham was asked to leave his father's house and go to a land he would be shown. Nowhere was Lot mentioned until it was time to go out. We know how Lot ended - Wifeless, father to sons from his own daughters, and completely broke. I do not know if it would have been different if he had stayed back in Haran, but not everyone you know now is part of your eternal walk. Some friends are there for a season, some for a reason, some for a lifetime. You have got to know where each person's influence stops.

I do not know why David and Absalom's friendship did not last. God must have seen something not revealed to us, but the lesson is this: get direction on your God- ordained purpose. No man can choose that for you; you have got to know God's mind on it. Choose your friends very carefully; get God's direction on this. Your eternal life may depend on the associations and alliances you form today. Too many 'friends' make it impossible to know who is sincere. Too many 'friends' make it difficult to discern God's will, especially of those friends do not answer to the same master you answer to.

If you would have companions, make sure you get guidance from the one who determines destiny, and knows who is suitable for the journey he has given you. Don't let friends dictate your life; the owner of life itself is the only qualified consultant. Seek him today. His time of favour is here.