Did you know your circle of friends can set your direction?

Have you ever heard the quote, “You are the average of the five people that you spend the most time with?”

The idea that our character, personality, and habits are greatly influenced by the people that we surround ourselves with. Who are we spending the most time with? Are they having a positive influence on our lives?

Recently, while reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, we discussed the role that family and friends play in the habits we form, good or bad.  He talked about an experiment in which a test subject unknowingly entered a room with several paid actors. They asked a series of easy questions that the entire group answered in the same way. Then, after a few questions, they would ask a seemingly easy question about the length of several lines in proportion to another. The paid actors all convincingly agreed on the wrong answer. Under pressure to agree, over 75% of test subjects chose the group's answer, even though it was clearly wrong.  Do we ever find ourselves in a situation like that?

“Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.”  1 Corinthians 15:33

Conversely, we might offer up the positive aspects of surrounding ourselves with a solid group of Christian Men that we can TRUST. When we surround ourselves with other men of solid character, we are elevated to a higher level of accountability. Iron sharpening Iron!

“Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10

We can’t always go at it alone, guys.  It helps to have solid Christian men around us to encourage, support, and help pick us up when we need it.  Just this last week, we were working out and pushing the sleds together. A friend commented to us both on how helpful it is to have someone at the gym pushing and keeping each other accountable. No different than life!

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:  If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.  But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

This week, let’s be aware of surrounding ourselves with good people who will help us LIVE OUR FAITH. Let’s go make a difference for God’s Kingdom and MAKE HIM SMILE this week!