Choose Travel Companions Wisely

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.(Proverbs 13:20 )
Charles “Tremendous” Jones was a successful businessman, author and speaker. His signature theme was “the things that most determine the difference in who you are today and who you will become in 5 years are the books you read and the company you keep.”

Others say you become like the 5 people you spend the most time with. I used to tell my youth group, your friends determine your future.

To walk with someone, you must be facing the same direction.

Walk also means being in motion and going somewhere. I love to see elderly couples, anyone older than me, walking together in public and talking with one another. It is really touching when they are holding hands.
What are some ways to walk with the wise? What do you take in through your eyegate? What do you read…see on the internet…or watch on videos? I have long ago quit watching the TV news. It does not help me grow as a person, husband, father or friend.

What do you take in through your ears? Is it lyrics and language that builds you up or is filled with cursing that would make a sailor blush? Want to have some fun? Sit down with your kids or grandkids and go over the lyrics to the songs on their Ipod. Be ready for CPR when you hear what some of them listen to.

Another way to walk with the wise is read books or websites that are affirming or inspiring. I commend www.breakfastwithfred.com to one and all. Get books by some of biblically based ministers. A good way to determine a good, biblical author is when you finish reading a message or article does it make you hunger even more for the Word itself?

Choose wisely.

Know about or know personally

 
Psalms 103:7 said God made His ways known to Moses but his deeds to Israel. What a contrast. Israel was content to base their belief about God on their external senses. They wanted to see God do for them or unto their enemies. When God did not seem to be paying attention, all restrictions on behavior and morality went out the window. Many people live the lives of area code Christians. They believe when they get out of their area code, it’s like God does not care or is not paying attention. Take a Caribbean cruise to see how this works.

Moses however knew more than just the actions of God. He knew the heart and motives of God. Ex 33:11 says ^“Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” WOW! If we really got to know and spend time with God, He would speak to us plainly, intimately, helpfully as friend to friend. A friend does not always demand an explanation, but always supports. Sometimes a friend just sits with you and does not say a word. You are comforted just by their presence. A friend sticks closer than a brother. A friend walks with you through the valley of the shadow of death. A friend might even die for you.

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

That little voice you hear in your heart? That’s your Friend saying, “Let’s spend some time together…maybe even talk!”

What if God used Social Media?

Much of communication today comes via social media. Let’s try to imagine if God used social media.

What’s God’s Facebook page look like? Would you Friend Request Him to see if He accepted you? Would you have alerts sent to you by phone, text or email when He had something to say? What do you think would be His interest and hobbies? (Savior & Sovereign of the Universe?) Would you have many friends in common?

What about God’s Twitter? He has an account. It is a collection of short, witty and wise saying that are 140 characters or less. They contain insight on speech, relationships, work, companions, diligence, discernment, protecting marriage, adultery and other areas of personal lives. It’s called the book of Proverbs. There are 31 chapters so read a chapter each day of the month. Set aside 10 minutes to read His twitters daily. Then, put them into practice. Hey, go ahead and retweet them to your followers. (You will appear wise beyond your years.)

How about God on YouTube? There are four channels I like best: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They paint a picture of Jesus Christ from four unique viewpoints. Matthew appeals to the Jewish foundation of the faith. Mark shows a man of action. Many chapters begin with the words, “and then” showing Jesus in continual motion. Luke is the physician’s account. We see that especially at the Cross. John is the enraptured, tongue tied soul caught up in the glory and passion for the Beloved of God.

If you like history, read and use your imagination to see the action in Acts. Finally, forget action movies. They pale in comparison to the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Incredible imagery of purity…power…passion. I admit, I skipped ahead to the end of the story. We win. Jesus is Victor and our victory.