Friends

Who Are Your Friends?

Proverbs 13:1, 20

A wise man heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. (v.1) He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (v.20)

Children and adults alike emulate who they hang around with, so choose your friends wisely.

Years ago when our son was still living at home and going to school, he was very good in sports. On his way to getting a scholarship in wrestling and a shot at one in football, he injured his ankle while riding a three wheel ATV; they have since been outlawed. In three months, my husband and I saw our son go down hill. His whole attitude changed as he started hanging around with a different crowd of teens. He wouldn't listen, got involved with drugs, and almost failed to pass the 12th grade. It was heartbreaking watching him give up on the things that were good and give in to the bad influences in his life.

In our society, it seems much harder on parents to encourage their children to pick their friends wisely. Children are taught by the media not to listen to their mother or father, but to seek out ungodly counsel, and parents are afraid to be parents.

Now that our son is older, married and the father of a seven year old, you would think things would be different. But bad habits follow you through life as long as you hang on to them. I remember leading my son to the Lord at a very tender age. And as the years have passed both my husband and I have confronted him on his relationship with God. He professes to be saved, yet his actions and social life seem to prove otherwise. Since he left our home and became the head of his own, his friends once again get in the way of him doing what is right and beneficial for himself and his family spiritually.

The devil blinds the eyes of many, through the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Galatians 5:16-26 deals with just this. We are to walk in the Spirit...For it's in doing this we will have victory over the flesh and its works, if we continue to yield to God's will.

It's a sad commentary when you love your children, lead them to Christ, and then see them take the way of the prodigal son. Yet, as I read this parable found in Luke 15:11-32, I'm encouraged to continue on in my prayer life for the loved ones who have strayed. My prayer is, you also will not give up on yours.

Dear Heavenly Father, it hurts when we see our children going down the wrong path of life, taking the devils way and getting involved in things that not only hurt them physically, but spiritually. As a Father, I know it hurts you even more, when you see your children stray. You love us unconditionally. I lift my children up to you and pray for the day they will return as the prodigal son did. My arms will be opened and my heart will be filled with joy the moment I see them walk that path back to righteousness. Forgive them of their sins Lord, and lead them to your everlasting arms. For I ask this in Jesus' Name, Amen.