With Whom Do We Associate and Should We Call Them Friends?

     Psalm 1:1 says: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;” When we look at the original meaning of these key words, we get a deeper understanding of the psalmist’s heart. Blessed means to be happy in Hebrew. Counsel is to be in the advisement or plan of others. Stand is to abide, remain, be employed, and endure. And lastly, a path is a course or direction in which someone is moving, a course of action or conduct.

     What the author is saying is: happy is the man who does not walk in the advisement of an immoral person, nor remains with the sinner, nor places himself with mockers. Do you see the progression? The man who is not blessed goes from walking to standing to sitting with the immoral person.

Application:

     We must be aware of the progression (walk, stand, sit) of sin; don’t let your guard down. At first it may not seem like you are being influenced by others, but honestly consider who is influencing who. Here are a few questions we can ask ourselves: Who are we interacting with that is leading us to commune with darkness? What things entice us to keep interacting with unbelievers? Compromise begins subtly.

     Sadly, many Christians today don’t look much different from the unbeliever. There have been seasons in my life God revealed that my behavior was not pleasing to Him. During these times I had to assess whether my friendships had a negative effect on me. There were friends that God has asked me to distance myself from; it’s not easy, but sometimes it is necessary. Even in Christian circles we must be mindful of any ungodly thoughts, words, and behaviors that we are being influenced by or influencing others with.  

Prayer:

     Psalm 119:1, “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord!” Father, throughout Your Word You show us how we can live a blessed life. Help us to choose Your way, Your law, and Your standards. We pray You continue to grow us in wisdom especially in the area of friendships. May we not compromise holy convictions for lesser things.