Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm.

This general theme comes up many times in Proverbs, simply because it’s true: who you hang with makes a big difference. We can’t avoid rubbing shoulders with all sorts of people, and we really shouldn’t try to. It is through such interactions that we, and they, are shaped toward perfection. However, this isn’t talking about casual interactions, but about steady association by choice. It is in that context that we either gain or lose the most. This is why active church participation is so important. You will have associates of all sorts, but those you choose should be people who encourage you to press in to God, who build your faith. That’s what it’s talking about in Hebrews 10:25, which is specifically talking about church attendance. To come back to this verse, having foolish friends won’t necessarily kill you, but it won’t do you much good! We do tend to absorb the attitudes of those closest to us, and as comes out again and again, attitude makes a world of difference. If you choose to associate with people who trust God enough to be optimistic, then your heart and life will tend to be bright. If you hang with those who are anxious all the time, then your heart and life will be much darker. The flip side of that, of course, is that we should each strive to be the sort of person we would like to associate with, giving others the blessings we seek for ourselves.

Naturally, this applies to me as much as it does to anyone. I am not to avoid those who don’t walk in faith. Doing so would not only isolate me, it would eliminate virtually all possibilities for evangelism. However, I am to spend as much time as possible with those who will encourage me in faith, and whom I can encourage in turn. The majority of my life outside the walls of this building is spent with people who don’t know Jesus Christ as Lord. That’s not to say they don’t have anything to teach me, but it is to say that I’ve got a lot that they could learn from me. In it all, my closest companion is to be Jesus Christ, by His Holy Spirit. (John 14:17) When He is my rock, my closest friend, then I can be a good influence on all around me, not fearing being dragged down, but rather lifting others up.

Father, thank You for this reminder. I deal with people all the time who are sabotaged in their faith by those around them. Help me help them lift their eyes to Jesus and recognize that fellowship with Him is both desirable and possible. It is amazing to me that I have trouble getting that point across! May I be the example and influence You want me to be, drawing many to repentance and faith, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!