Friends or Boat Anchors?

"If you what to learn to hurt someone, first you must learn to heal them.”  This quote comes from a renowned martial arts teacher and speaks a volume of truth, because he knew that the time you take to learn to heal, will diminish the feel for the need to hurt.   It is also good advice spiritually, that we learn how to teach someone to see the truth, before we speak words of condemnation. It is also good advice for ourselves, when we realize that we are our own worst critics and judges. Often it is our own temptation, defect, fault, fear, worry, loneliness etc., that you’re never going to get rid of it on your own. We only heal when we are honest with ourselves, God and others. James 5:16 is one of the best passages for your spiritual health and holiness as you get over your habits and hang-ups: “Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed” Revealing your feelings and emotion is the beginning of healing.  A person is on the road to recovery when you learn to open the closet door where the boogeyman hides and expose him as your own fear and fault that needs to be addressed. The moment you can do that and are willing to take steps to do something about it, you humble yourself, and God gives grace to the humble. This is the hardest step for some of us because it really hits our pride and literally starts churning your stomach to even think about it.

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” We were made to need each other.  Problems and sins make us feel isolated and alone but the truth is that we were never meant to face your problems or your sins by yourself.  We need each other.  If all you want to do is be forgiven, tell God. But if you want to be healed, consider sharing it with God and others.  Sometimes, we just want and need someone to talk to. What kind of people do you think God wants you to share your sin, worry, and fears?  Stop to consider the “friends” you have. Are they encouraging you to change and become better or are they anchors keeping you steeped in the wrong you are trying to get out of?  

• Psa.141:5 “Let your faithful people correct and punish me. My prayers condemn the deeds of those who do wrong, so don't let me be friends with any of them.”
• Prov.28:7 “It makes good sense to obey the Law of God, but you disgrace your parents if you make friends with worthless nobodies.”

So, who are the people in your life who fit that description? Remember Paul’s advice, 1 Cor.15:33.34 “Don't fool yourselves. Bad friends will destroy you.  Be sensible and stop sinning. You should be embarrassed that some people still don't know about God.”

Jim