When I was growing up, I often heard the phrase, “Birds of a feather flock together” and quite honestly, I didn’t get it. It was usually invoked by some random adult that was attempting to “guide” the relationships we focused in the formative years so we wouldn’t be influenced in a negative way by others.

I felt, though, that I should be able to be friends with whoever I wanted and Jesus (invoking my own spiritual high horse) would not want us to refuse friendship to anyone.

In truth…we were both right.

It’s not a question about whether we are “too good” to have relationships with some people, but we do need to guard what influence we allow others to have on us. For example…

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. – Proverbs 13:20 ESV

Others have such influence in your life that you need to be careful who you invite into your most inner circle…that place where you are open to learn, be changed, and become the person that you were created to be.

It’s easy for us to stop there, after all we naturally think primarily of our own life development but as you mature, you will begin to realize that you have a role to play in the lives of others.

So, today, ask yourself these questions…

1. Who have I allowed to have the most influence in my life? Are they healthy influences?

and

2. Where are you leading the people that are around you? Are you a healthy influence?

Mark Love
Lead Pastor