There’s much speculation when it comes to where the line is drawn between friendships, after you’ve turned your life over to Christ. Do things change, or can they remain the same?
The important thing to remember when facing this question, is that the life of a Christian calls us to turn from our old ways, habits that we used to have, sinful practices and even sinful people who are closest to us.
Proverbs tells us that “the righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray” (12:26). In other words, close associating with unbelievers leads to greater possibilities for us to be tempted by the world.
Another reason for this is that in the name of keeping peace, we can easily water down God’s word around those friends, dimming the light we’re called to shine.
Of course this doesn’t mean not engaging with unbelievers or treating them poorly, quite the contrary. We are to pursue them with one main focus in mind, that is to show them the Gospel and its power to save and this requires compassion and patience.
As we grow closer to God, and our affections conform to His, this brings us to clear roads between dark and light, the things of earth and that of God. And along with laying down our lives might come the end of old friendships for a new God-loving family.
Letting go is never easy, but even as you begin to walk in the light it will become more clear that light and dark cannot agree. Pray to God to help you find friends who will love Him and encourage you in your walk. At the same time, ask Him to help you see which friendships will only result in turmoil.
Prayer
“Dear God, thank You for new life. Please help me to meet friends who draw me closer to you and further from my old life enslaved by sin. Amen”
