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
The Inspiration:
This is a generation that believes in people as its greatest capital. Even God himself wanted relationships he could enjoy, and so He made man in His own image. He also made sure that the power of relationships was reflected in alliances and partnerships. It is difficult to find any long- term project with long-term appeal that was done by solo effort. No matter how small the project or minute the assignment, the secret to its success lies in the power of unity. It is also not always about a large number, but the power of focused thinking. It could be just two or two thousand, but that number will lead to success and impact. There are quite a number of stories in the bible that underscores this, such as the story of the tower of Babel, or the account in Ecclesiastes where it was stated quite clearly that two are better than one. What kind of alliances am I building at the moment?
The Contention:
The verse above makes it clear that numbers are good, but they must be the right kind. It is also said that it is better to be alone than to be in bad company. The power of association can never be overemphasised. It is good to have friends, as they will be of great help to you when the need arises, but these friends must be chosen carefully. Think of Jesus: He had 12 disciples, chosen from all walks of life. He had tax collectors, as well as fishermen and patriots, as well as a disciple who was a thief. They all had a part to play in the plan of God, but it was unfortunate that Judas went the way he did. It is very important to choose your conpanions and confidants carefully, as the future you desire and pray for will depend on it. Rehoboam wanted reassurances from his own friends, and he listened to them instead of the elders. We all know what happened to him and the kingdom of Israel.
The Conclusion:
If I must choose, it is better to have that one friend who is closer than a brother. It is not always about blood, but about the opportunity to be a blessing to someone else. There is safety in multitude of counsel, but it must be of the right kind. Imagine 10 of us pulling a load in different directions, or seeking 10 ways to solve a simple problem. There is no harm in having friends, but I must also be concerned about earthly impact and eternal relevance. As I journey through life, I ask God to lead me to the right people who will help my walk of faith. It could be one or a hundred, but we wil all be of immense help to each other. As I also ask God to send such great people my way, am I that kind of person myself? Can men trust that they are safe with me. Can I be trusted with God's great treasures? Find one and be one today. God's time of favour is here.
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