Friendships

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend

In today's society the word friend is used so loosely. I can meet someone yesterday and because I have their number or added them on Facebook, snap chat, instagram or any other social media the person is now my friend. In regards to this issue I am talking about a real friend. I am not referring to an acquaintance or associate. A friend is someone who you share things with, hang out together at each others house or apartment and know each other's family or even considered like family.

 Family and friends are the most influential people in one's life. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says bad company corrupts good character. if you grew up in a church going family or let me say Christian. You were taught or warned about certain behaviors that were not proper/decent. Pre-marital sex, drinking, smoking and some other carnal things we were warned against. If you do not have a foundation in Christ as soon as people start talking about those things your weak flesh starts to indulge in them and from there you are heading down the path of death. Many Christians have said their friends do not influence them or do not matter but that is a lie. If you are not helping someone climb higher the person is bringing  you down. Honestly the reason you hang around such people is because your mind/heart is filled/curious about such things.

Christians we need to really take a look at our friends. Do we have friendships or sinful ships? Sinful ships is with people you only hang out at clubs,house parties etc and when you get together all you do is curse, talk about people etc , Friends should be people who keep you accountable to living a life that is glorifying to Jesus not contrary. You should be able to confess your sins to each other and pray for one another. The Christian walk is not easy so you need people around you to constantly encourage you towards the light of Jesus not into the darkness of Satan. This is a really important aspect of our Christian walk. You may go to church with someone it does not mean they are in Christ. A person in Christ is different from a church goer. A church goer goes to church mostly every Sunday or once in a while to show God "hey see me keep blessing me and do not let me go to hell" while a person in Christ is sincerely seeking Christ day to day and looking to become more like Christ.

Evaluate your friends and see if there are leading you to Christ or towards destruction. You cannot walk with someone unless you agree so check yourself and make amendments. The saying still goes show me your friends and I will show you who you are. The people we hang out with have a great impact on us. You may have to go through a friendless season when drawing closer to Christ but remember you are not alone the Holy Spirit is your comforter and helper.