SATURDAY JUNE 18, 2022
Friends Share Common Values
Scripture Reference: Daniel 1:7-15; Amos 3:3.
Exposition:
The Scriptures explicitly state that two cannot walk or be true friends unless they agree on common values and principles. Hence the saying that “show me your friend and I will show you your character”. Some, on the contrary, believe that they can be friends with people whom they don’t share the same values with and yet will not be influenced. This cannot be because one will end up adopting the values of the other knowingly or unknowingly. In today’s discussion, we shall learn from the friendship of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
There were many youths who were taken to Babylon but these four shared the same values and principles so it was easy to distinguish them out as friends. These friends resolved not to defile themselves with the king’s food because they were bent on living a Holy life. Daniel consulted no one apart from his friends when he begged for some time to interpret the king’s dream because all of them believed in prayer and in a God who answers prayers (Dan 2:17). Daniel was not afraid to be put in the lion’s den and his friends too were not afraid to be put into the blazing furnace. Do you see the common values they shared even in the two separate events? The values of laying their lives for their God and their faith. This is a clear example of true Godly friendship which builds and is worthy of emulation.
Who are your friends? Do your friends have the same Godly values and principles as you? Is your friendship building each other towards knowing God, grounding each other in the faith, loving righteousness and hating sin? It’s not yet late. Choose your friends right without disregarding their Christian values, and the principles and faith they share. Some say it does not matter but it matters because it can build or break you. Decide now.
Prayer Guide: Father in Jesus name, I pray that you open my eyes to the right Christian values based on which I can rightly choose my friends. Amen!
Memory Verse For This Week:
1 Corinthians 15:33 – Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”