.....smooth

Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ – 1 Corinthians 15:33

A little girl once asked her mother, "Can I go outside and play with the boys?" Her mom said, "No, you can't play with the boys; they're too rough." After thinking it over, the little girl responded, "If I find a smooth one, can I play with him?"

Wouldn’t that be nice? If only we could find the “smooth” ones — the people who never cause drama, never let us down, and always lift us up. But let’s be honest: in the real world, it’s not always easy to find people like that. Relationships can sometimes be “rough”.

That’s why the Bible reminds us to choose our company wisely. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, "Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’" The people we spend time with influence us more than we realize. Their attitudes, habits, and choices rub off on us, for better or worse.

If we surround ourselves with negativity, gossip, or unhealthy habits, it’s only a matter of time before those things start to affect us. But when we walk alongside people who encourage us, challenge us in a good way, and point us toward Christ, we grow stronger.

That doesn’t mean we should only spend time with "perfect" people (: they don’t exist!). It does mean, however, that we should be intentional about the relationships we invest in. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." True friends will help us become better, not pull us away from God’s best for us.

So, whether you're looking for good friends, a godly spouse, or just people to hang out with, ask yourself these questions: 

• Do they encourage my faith and values? 
• Do they bring out the best in me?
• Am I being a positive influence in their life as well? 

Because more important than having a good friend is learning to be a good friend.

- alan smith

Lord, help me to choose my relationships wisely. Surround me with people who encourage me in faith and character, and help me be that kind of person to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.