The Ballestero Blog

“Who” Is Worse Than “What”

“Who do you name as your closest friends? Believe it or not, this question is a matter of great concern to the Lord. And that’s because your friendships speak loudly, both to God and to the world about the condition of your heart.

“Have you ever thought to pray, “Lord, what do you think of my friendships? Are they pleasing to you — or do they displease you?” The fact is, a righteous friend can provide a link to the blessing and favor of God, because he encourages you toward a godly lifestyle. On the other hand, an unrighteous friend can be a binding chain to every kind of evil, leading you into terrible bondages.”  – David Wilkerson

The title of Wilkerson’s sermon was, “Your Friend’s Matter To God.” That thought should makes us thankful for good Godly friends, and reconsider relationships with those whose friendship endangers our walk with God.

We preach a lot against the WHAT’s in life. We name sins left and right. That is needful. Too often good people are caught in a sin trap because their ‘friend’ led the way. We need to be reminded of the dangers of the ungodly Who. Backsliders have been known to influence others still in church. I know that we all have worldly acquaintances, but their influence must be highly controlled.

Please consider the powerful influence of the WHO.

1. Rom 8:35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

1. Gal 5:7) Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

It appears the WHO influence in our life is extremely powerful. And yes, the WHO influences us to do the WHAT.

Bro. Kenneth Bow made the point some years back that I have never forgotten. He said that although David was about 17 years younger than Jonathan, they were best friends. “As long as Jonathan was alive,” he said, “Jonathan never got in trouble with God. It was after Jonathan died that David sinned.”

Good friends don’t let you backslide. Good friends help keep you in church and pray for you.

If you come home after being out with your ‘friends’ and you feel guilt, condemnation, or the need to pray, something is wrong with your friendship. Sin seems to starts with WHO, then it winds up with WHAT!

Our friends really do matter to God! Choose them wisely! They may cause you to be lost, or they may help save you.

Thank God for Good Friends!