“Open not thine heart to every man, but deal with one who is wise and feareth God.
Let thy company be the humble and the simple, the devout and the gentle, and let thy discourse be concerning things which edify.
We must love all men, but not make close companions of all.”
(The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis, The First Book, page 10)
Every where we turn nowadays, we find ourselves being pushed to make a platform, have more friends, and followers as if more is equivalent to true friendship and connection. We are able to share more information, with more people, in shorter time, with little effort and with just the peck of a few keys.
It all has me wondering if there is wisdom to be found in so doing.
In my younger days, a wise pastor once advised me to share my heart with no more than five people. Friends and acquaintances can be plentiful but those I permit into my heart should be few. I think Tom would agree with that pastor as well as Scripture:
“Walk with the wise and become wise, associate with fools and get in trouble.”
(Proverbs 13:20, NLT)
We tell our kids to choose their friends carefully because as parents, we know that our friends can easily influence our thoughts and sway our actions. We become like who we hang with and will either become wiser or more foolish. Scripture would agree:
“Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.” (Proverbs 22:24-25, NLT)
If I don’t think this is true, all I need to picture a drive on the road. On any given highway, anger and rudeness can be found displayed as drivers want to go faster, get around and ahead, or shout at one another. Often on a rambling road, the ride is slow paced and enjoyable as patience is to be found around each bend. There was a time my driving could be influenced by those driving around me. Thankfully, we can change.
In this day we are living, wisdom is needed in greater measure as we share our thoughts and opinions. May we be agents of peace, not letting others incite us to also become angry and rude.
Friendships hold tremendous power.
Under the influence of a wise mentor, teacher, parent, or coach, we will flourish and thrive as character is shaped and molded with their guidance. Let’s choose friendships wisely so that we grow in the fruit of Your Spirit and not in the traits of others.
Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and Unite and #RaRaLinkup .
Friendships DO shape us in so many ways. I never thought of that as a youngster, but as a Mom, I find myself vigilant. (Experience w/a child going down the wrong alley, speaking!) Good word, Joanne. Visiting via #raralinkup.
Thanks, Kristi. Becoming a parent will surely make us more aware of this truth as I realized it even with my own children. We do become like who we hang. May we, and our children, choose wisely and find ourselves growing in godly character.
Great words! I was just listening to Jennie Allen as she began the IF Gathering over the weekend. She spoke of this same thing. Jennie pointed out that we are losing those close connections with people because we are trying to be the next great thing instead of the next small thing right in our own neighborhoods.
Thank you for your wisdom today.
Mary, as much as I was hoping to watch some of the If videos, I never did get around to it. I like the thoughts you shared from Jennie. Praying I choose small and in so doing, be a blessing right where I am. So grateful you shared!
Precious words to live by! Thank you for the wonderful reminder to guard our hearts by the friends we choose.
Thank you, friend. Many an edifying conversation was had with you around a cup of coffee 🙂
Amen Joanne. Amen. Thanks you for these wise words. Amen.
Thank you, Kelly. This was a post I almost did not share. Have a blessed Tuesday!
Good, good, soooo good!!
Joanne,
Thank you for this poignant reminder that More is not necessarily better. I guard my inner circle of friendships very carefully. I do think that there is a difference between sharing the light of Christ with all we encounter and baring our soul for everyone. I find it’s a fine line between being willing to be vulnerable, yet being wise in doing so. Great things to ponder…
Blessings,
Bev xx