My children, you must respect the LORD and the king, and you must not make friends with anyone who rebels against either of them. ~ Proverbs 24:21 (CEV)
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Verse 22 speaks to why we need to be careful who we associate with...
21 My child, fear the Lord and the king. Don’t associate with rebels,
22 for disaster will hit them suddenly. Who knows what punishment will come from the Lord and the king? ~ Psalm 24:21-22 (NLT)
Those in authority over us are accountable for justice and order in this world. Wrongs don't go unpunished; therefore, keep your nose clean and avoid getting stung -- that's pretty basic. But what about your friends and associates? Collusion seems to love company!
...when you're riding around in a car with Frank and Billy, and they want to have some "fun" and see if they can rob a liquor store?
...when you're having lunch with co-workers and one of them shares an idea on how to skim some company money off the top without getting caught?
And what about the more insidious rebellion against God's laws? Beware when your friends and associates think they are above them...
...when you're having lunch with friends, and they start gossiping and slandering so-and-so...
...when a neighbor flirts with you at a party, even though they know you're married...
You might never do alot of unscrupulous things, but for the fact that you follow others who are doing it. And they might not do those unlawful things if others didn't rally around them in their rebellion and sin. Peer pressure and gang mentality aren't just for youth...adults are just as susceptible.
Wisdom says stay clear from people who don't follow the law, because you could get caught in the crossfire if you're with them, either by actual participation on your part, or by being guilty by association. It's just bad life business to hang around with people who don't fear the Lord and respect authority.
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
~ 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)
Choose your comrades wisely, basing your friendship decisions on their character and heart, not their money or flattery or schemes. Usually people who are trying to draw you into bad behavior are just using you. You're not their friend -- you're their pawn. And when the chips are down and you've been run over by a steamroller because of your participation, 10-to-1 you won't find your "friends" anywhere in sight. Hello-- you just got burned...and you may be left holding the bag for a long time, maybe a lifetime. Consequences have a way of lingering like that, don't they?
A friend loves at all times... ~ Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
Jesus is our number one friend, and He will never steer us wrong. And His Holy Spirit always prompts us in the right direction...
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! ~ Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
When your earthly friends line up with Jesus, you are definitely in good company. And I pray that you can find true friendship in this life, friends who love and care about you, who would not lead you astray or cause you to stumble, who love God and point you to Him.
Love,
Joelene
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