Shine Like Stars: Devotions From Time of GraceSample

A Lifestyle That Shines: God's stars choose friends carefully

Most of the Christian life is a balancing act. We want to be concerned, yet optimistic; serious, yet joyful; sober, yet playful.

We want to be open to everyone but cautious in choosing friends. Almost nobody thinks about this when deciding whom to hang around with. But the truth is, you will start to think like and talk like people with whom you associate. God says, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked" (Psalm 1:1). If you hang with sarcastic and critical people, your tongue will get sharper. If you hang with people whose language is full of profanity and cussing, your mouth will get fouler. If your friends don't go to church, you will more easily find excuses not to go.

But the reverse is true as well. If your friends pray, you will talk to God more often. If your friends use God's name in praise and blessing, your mouth will be holier. And get this: if you start to stray and exhibit danger signals, Christian friends will intervene to pull you back.

Whose pictures are in your scrapbook? on your screensaver?