CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS WISELY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

“Keep to the paths of the righteous.” Pr 2:20 NIV

In his book The Mind of Watergate, psychiatrist Leo Rangell, M.D., related what he called a “compromise of integrity” as he analyzed the relationship between former President Richard M. Nixon and several of his closest confidants in the White House. He recorded a conversation between investigative committee member Senator Howard Baker and young Nixon aid Herbert L. Porter. Baker: “Did you ever have any qualms about what you were doing? Did you ever think of saying, ‘I do not think this is quite right’...did you ever think of that?’ Porter: “Yes, I did.” Baker: “What did you do about it?” Porter: “I did not do anything about it.” Baker: “Why didn’t you?” Porter: “In all honesty, probably because of the fear of group pressure that would ensue, and of not being considered a team player.” There’s nothing wrong with being a team player as long as you are careful about choosing your team! The old saying is true: “You become like the company you keep.” The psalmist David said, “I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts” (Ps119:63 NIV). Solomon had a lot to say on this subject: “Walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous” (Pr 2:20 NIV). “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed” (Pr13:20 NKJV). “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil” (Pr 4:14 NKJV). The friends you choose will profoundly influence the direction your life goes, so choose your friends wisely.