“Do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character.”
(1 Corinthians 15:22 NIV)
Having just returned from our weekend away, I’m still thinking about my friends. I spent my morning routine reveling in the lingering richness of our 48 hour conversation, much the way one might sit in the dusk after a glorious sunset. My heart is still singing praise for these two ladies. Eleven years of history tie our souls still tighter. And I realized, my friends make me better.
These two women are the kind of women I want to be. They are kind. Generous. Humble. Easily convicted. Happily corrected by the Spirit. They put others first and they serve without grumbling. They refuse to gossip. They search for the best in others and they meticulously care for the people within their reach. And they pray. My goodness, they pray. If their prayers aren’t persuasive enough, they’ll fast, too. Readily give up comfort for the soul in need. My friends make me better.
They are the kind of women who lovingly point out one another’s weaknesses in order to seize the opportunity to be made more like Christ. Yesterday, we were doing our devotions together: bibles splayed open on the patio table, coffee cups full and pens in hand. My one friend offered me one of her favorite bible highlighter and I told her I couldn’t possibly break up her complete set. She laughed and said “It’s yours! Take two!” And all together, we uncovered an old wound of mine and it’s lasting effects: I fight to keep my things in order and off limits. My own bible pens were safe at home, in their canvas roll lined up like troops.
Later in the day, long after the ladies had left for home, I discovered my pen roll now has two soldiers missing. My friends each wrote their names in their respective pockets. They’re reminding me to let go and be generous. It’s going to make me a little crazy but it’s also going to make me different. My friends make me better.
“I have called you friends.” (John 15:15 NIV)
If all that can happen in an earthly friendship, then how much more can we gain in a friendship with God? Being good friends with Jesus will always make us better.
If bad company corrupts good character then good company promotes good character. I look over my list of friends and the people I pull closest consistently call me to be a better person. Find those people. Make them a priority. Practice vulnerability. Let them steal your pens.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
(Proverbs 27:17 NIV)
Lord, we are so grateful for the gift of friends. Let us look for the people who make us better. Thank You for calling us friends. May our friendships with You and with others call us more accurately into Your image. May we serve our friends in the same way. Amen.