Show Me Your Friends and I'll Show You Your Future!

It's been said by many wise and successful people that you become

like the top 5 people you spend the most time with. Ever heard the joke of how some people begin to look like their pets? Well, as humorous as that may sound, the same is kind of true with people who spend a lot of time with each other: We begin to mimic each other’s traits and habits. (This is ESPECIALLY true of romantic relationships—but that’s a WHOLE OTHER conversation!)

Proverbs 13:20 sensibly advises us: "Walk with the wise and become wise, [but] a companion of fools suffers harm.” In other words, we are who we hang out with. Spend time with people who are wise, and you’ll be wise. Spend time with people who are foolish, and you’ll become foolish.

In 1 Corinthians 15:33, we are cautioned, "Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character." Ever heard the saying, "One bad apple spoils the bunch?" It means that one person can negatively affect a group of people (and vice versa—one person can positively affect a group of people). Now imagine the effect a whole group of people has on just one person! There is power in numbers and no one is immune to peer pressure, which is why it is so important to consciously surround yourself with people who you'd like to be more like. Whether you realize it or not, who you are friends with has a huge effect on the outcome of your character, finances, the way you think and speak, and your entire life.

The good news is, you have control over who you choose to be friends with. You get to choose your friends! So choose wisely!

Not only is it important to cut people out of your life who may be

toxic to your growth, but to also surround yourself with people who are going to inspire, motivate, and help lift you when you're down. Proverbs 15:22 says, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed." If we want to succeed, (if we want spiritual, financial, relational success—success in ANY aspect of our lives) then we MUST have counselors, mentors, guides, and support groups to help us get there. No man is an island, and we certainly weren't meant to do this life alone. We need other people in our lives to help encourage, motivate and inspire us, and help lift us up when we are down. As it says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble... And a three cord-strand (a gathering of three people) is not easily broken."

I hope you’re inspired to take account of your relationships, evaluate which ones may not be healthy, and what friends you may need to replace with more positive, empowering, inspiring, and uplifting ones.

As always, I wish you all a wonderful week!

Lots of Love,

Brigitte

xx