Two-minute read.
Choose wisely who you allow into your life. In my early twenties, at the height of my drinking and carousing, I knew I needed to change my lifestyle. However, I struggled to create healthy boundaries with my fellow partiers, finding it difficult not to drink when I spent time with them. When I flunked out of school, instead of wallowing in self-pity, I used it as an opportunity to start again. Moving to another state, I left the temptation behind, giving myself a fresh start at a new school. Instead of choosing life-sucking connections, I became diligent about creating life-giving friendships that pulled me up, not brought me down.
When you look at your friend group, you can determine what the future looks like. If you choose friends with wisdom, you develop healthy, life-giving connections that help you become the best version of you. However, those not going in the same direction as you will help you veer off course and miss out on the essential things in life. Relationships matter more than anything else; we shouldn’t treat them casually, but instead love and nurture them.
Moving to a new area where we didn’t know anyone, I knew we needed to find a Bible believing church first and foremost. Because I wanted to build life-giving connections that would help me continue my journey with Jesus, I knew it all started with church. Finding a place to call home gives us a sense of security. We quickly developed friendships as we began volunteering, joining a couple’s small group and a women’s group. As a result, I’m building relationships with people who build me up and help me persevere with their love and affection. In essence, we planted ourselves beside a stream of water, where our roots can grow into it and never wither, helping me bear good fruit.
God gives us free will to do whatever we want. When we choose to place our faith in Him and allow God to lead our steps, we will discover not only our purpose in life, but the people who will help us fulfill it. Surround yourself with people who have deep roots in the Lord; allow them to breathe life into you with their faithfulness and joy. Become a well-watered tree that helps others find the freedom in Christ you have discovered.
Journal Questions:
How have you developed friendships in your life?
When have you had friends who didn’t build you up?
Describe what a life-giving relationship means to you.
Friendship Application:
Choose to focus on the life-giving relationships in your life.
