Show Me Your Friends. . .

Ever wonder what you look like? No, I don’t mean how you appear physically: that’s why we have mirrors! I mean, have you ever wanted to know what you are like? I’m talking about what kind of a person you are, what kinds of actions and attitudes characterize your life, and what kind of character you have in your life. It’s very hard to be objective about ourselves: we all think we’re pretty good people. It’s a lot easier to be critical of other people. How can we be critical of ourselves and get an honest look at what we are like?
Proverbs 13:20 tells us how we can learn a little about ourselves. It says, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” In other words, if you show me your friends, I’ll show you what you are like. If you want to see yourself, look at your friends.
When the verse talks about being “wise” or being “foolish,” it’s not talking about how smart or dumb you are. It is talking about skillful you are at living wisely: obeying God’s Word and living it out in your daily life. If your friends are mean, thoughtless, ungodly, lazy, or dishonest, I can say very confidently that you are too. If your friends are kind, caring, God-honoring, hard-working, and upright, then I am pretty sure you are too.
Why is it this way? There are two basic reasons: first, we like people who are like us. We choose to be with people who make us comfortable. We like to hang around people who share our interests and values. The second reason is that other people like people who are like them. You didn’t just choose your friends; they chose you too! Rebels always seek out other rebels. Those who are dishonest desire the company of other liars. Those interested in their spiritual lives make friends with others who share that interest. What do your friends say about you? Show me your friends, and I’ll show you who you are.