StrongSample

  

Bad Company

Hal Hiatt

Ready:

“Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

Set:

Susie and Jade had been friends forever. They were inseparable on and off the field and were the best middle infielders in their conference. As juniors, they had more double plays than any other shortstop and second baseman combo in school history. When they were on the field they could look at each other and know what the other was thinking. But something was going on with Jade and Susie was concerned. Susie tried talking to her but there was something different between them that had never been there before. 

After practice on Friday Susie asked Jade if they could talk. “Not today,” said Jade. “Leslie has invited me to a party tonight and I need to run home to get ready.” This was not the first time that Jade had mentioned going to Leslie’s house for a party when her parents were out of town. Things were adding up and Susie knew that the bad influence affecting her friend and teammate was getting worse. She wasn’t sure how to handle the situation but she knew that Jade was going down a dark road and she needed to step in to help. 

Go:

1. What would you do if you were in Susie’s place and your friend was making bad decisions about the people she was hanging out with?
2. How does a deeper relationship with a teammate who is also your friend affect the way you play your sport together?
3. Have you ever risked someone getting mad at you because you shared with them a truth about something happening in their life?
4. Which is worse: Losing a friend to a bad influence that is having a negative effect or having that friend temporarily upset with you for telling them something they don’t want to hear?

  

Overtime:

1 Peter 5:8

Heavenly Father, give me wisdom and boldness to be a good friend and teammate.