Choices

 Friends are essential if you partner with someone who leads you on a path of righteousness, not destruction. I remember just starting my first year in high school, sitting in our school gym and not listening to vital instructions from our teacher. Why? I was too busy wasting time with some neighborhood “friends.” We didn’t realize that the instructions were to let us know where our group would meet. The class went to their areas – and I didn’t know where to go. I was looking very foolish for a new freshman who didn’t know his way around. We eventually found our way to the group, and the teacher looked at us, commented, and told us to sit down. After P.E. class, my teacher came to me and asked me if this was the type of person, I wanted to spend time with as I began my high school journey. I don’t know why he specifically came to me, but I’m glad he did. That conversation changed my thinking regarding choosing who I allow to influence my thinking and choice of friends.

I learned if you spend time with fools, you will suffer harm (Proverbs 13:20). I tell my sons, don’t be that fool; instead, be a person who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24), and have a person who will lift you when you fall (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11). Remember, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33) – choose your friends carefully. Do not be that fool.