The Value of Christian Friends

In our Student Ministry last week, I had two seniors share their insights on what they had learned over the years. I was stuck by the comments of one of the teens. He shared that one thing he would change about his time in high school is that he would have surrounded himself with more Christian friends. 2 Timothy 2:22b says, "Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts." (NLT) Paul understood the challenges of holy living especially as a young person. His admonition to Timothy to surround himself with other believers was timely. It is easy to be swayed in our beliefs and begin compromising our faith. If we put others in our lives to encourage us along the journey and strengthen us when the going gets tough, we will always, "be ready for the Master to use [us] for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21b NLT) Who are your companions?