My dad taught me years ago to be careful about who I immediately embraced when moving to a new ministry. He counseled me that often the first persons who show up in your life and want to be your best friend, may not be the people you want to trust long term. I've found that advice to be pretty accurate. Often times the people that are eager to be your new found friend have their own agenda. And their agenda may not be to your best interest.
Jesus and Solomon both warn of seductive characters that could misdirect your path and get you into trouble. They are seductive in that they entice you by feeding your ego or gaining your initial trust through a supposed interest in you. They are often likable, charismatic or endearing. They draw you in before you know it. Jesus calls them wolves in sheep clothing. Solomon calls them seducers. Both warn to beware.
Let's face it. We're drawn to people who show interest in us. We all really want friendships and companionships, in fact we were created that way. However, choosing friends and companions can be a tricky thing. Our friends and companions have such sway over us. They influence our thinking and behavior. And because of the sense of comfort and intimacy, we will share and do things with those friends that we don't with other people. It's that familiarity that can lead us to trouble.
That's why Jesus says to beware. You really want to know what a person is like do a little research. Keep your eyes open. What do you know about past behavior. It should be a clue. Ladies, if a guy has been married two or three times and now is interested in you, the warning lights ought to be flashing. He's not misunderstood, he's got some real relationship issues. Guys, if she's got a shaky past and is real affectionate with you, HELLO, something's not right here.
You can always tell a person by the fruit they've borne in the past. Abusive guys will continue the pattern in the future. Shady characters will continue to deceive in the future. Although I know God has the power to change lives, you don't. Want to save yourself a lot of grief later, pay attention to fruit produced in the past.
God, give me wisdom to discern my friends, companions, models, mentors, and associates.
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