We all know as parents, that when a child reaches school age we have competition when it comes to influencing our children’s lives. The influence we have imparted into their lives becomes challenged by influences coming from their peer group. It’s amazing how deeply people are swayed by those they are around every day. We find ourselves talking like them, having the same desires they have, and even wanting to dress and look like them. The pressure of fitting into a group and feeling a part is something that never goes away in this life. We all want to be a part and fit in somewhere. If our friends are the greatest influence on our lives, then we need to know how to choose them wisely. (1 Cor 15:33 Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.) All of us have seen a good person get with the wrong crowd and destroy their life. We need to look at the life of the people we are choosing to be our friends and examine where they came from and where they are headed. You would never get into an automobile without asking where it was going, so don’t choose a friend without knowing their intentions. When choosing friends look back at those who influenced your life, those who were supportive, instructive, and positive and choose friends accordingly. (Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.) Call me an old fogey, but I’ve been pretty successful choosing friends that resembled those who influenced my life when I was growing up. When you copy their walk of faith, things turn out pretty well. We all need people to help us through life. We all are influenced by our friends. Choose your friends wisely. Pastor Don [image: image.png]