Organizing the Inside – Day 242 Consider Your Friends

May 2, 2012 at 9:30 am · Filed under Encouragement, Inspiration, Purpose, Relationship, Wisdom, Women's Ministry and tagged: Friendship, God

20In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 22Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:20-22
(NLT)

Who are you spending time with?
This scripture encourages us to consider the people we spend time with, the ones who are closest to us. I’ve chosen to sort them into two categories, friends and associates. I’ve come to realize that if I want my life to be enriched and challenged by those around me; perhaps some whom I’ve considered friends need to be moved to the associate category. The inner circle of people we allow to speak into and have influence in our lives should challenge, encourage, and stretch us to grow. As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) Spending time with people who have a love for the things of God will help keep your life sharp and ready to be used for any good work.

Know the purpose of the relationship.
First of all, Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?  2 Corinthian 6:14 (NIV) If there are  unsaved “friends” who are close to you, who you aren’t ministering to, then they very well may need to change categories. Dear sisters, we must be mindful about who our friends are. Having someone in your life, just because the two of you go way back, is not a good reason to allow them to stay in your inner circle. While as difficult as it may be if you want to grow, and experience the ever-increasing faith that an intimate relationship with the Lord brings, you must consider who your closest friends are. Think carefully about the relationship, especially if they have grown comfortable with being around you and not being saved.

Is your life set aside for God’s purpose?
If we want to be used by God in great ways, then we should be ready to make the sacrifices this requires. I’d much rather be God’s special occasion utensil. There is liberty in Christ, and the freedom to do well only strengthens those bonds. What purpose do your closest “friends” serve? Are they an opportunity for ministry? Are they helping you to grow in your faith? If neither of these are the case I recommend you reconsider. Certain people are appropriately suited for the associate category in life. The righteous chooses his friends carefully: but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26 (KJV)

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