Choosing FriendsSample

SEPARATING YOURSELF FROM FOOLS

One of my favorite Scripture passages in all the Bible explains that getting fools out of your life is not optional if you want to move toward a fruitful life. Take a look at Psalm 1.

“Blessed is the man

who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

but his delight is in the law of the Lord,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree

planted by streams of water

that yields its fruit in its season,

and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers.”

Look at the eye-popping promise—sustainable, fruit-bearing, prospering life. It’s better to walk alone for a season with God’s Word in your hand than to be in the company of fools, mockers, and scoffers. Here’s how you can distance yourself from these people.

Realize You Don’t Change People: Don’t spend any time trying to make fools into friends. The Holy Spirit does the heavy lifting of true change. We need to love our enemies, but we in no way are called to make fools our friends.

Distance Yourself: Sometimes the best way to love fools and enemies is to distance yourself. It is better to walk alone for a season with just you and God than to get dragged down by fools.

Special Note: If you find yourself married to a fool or in a partnership with a fool that you can’t extricate yourself from, pray for them to change, seek out wise counsel, and guard your own heart.

When someone shows you who they are, believe it. God loves fools, but He doesn’t expect you to make them your friends. Pray for them, but don’t partner with them.

THE ROAD TO BETTER FRIENDSHIPS:

• After taking an inventory yesterday of the people you spend the most time with, did God reveal to you who might be fools?
• If there is someone you’re feeling convicted to separate from, ask God to give you the courage to do that.