Support System

I would always tell my children when they were little to always surround yourself with friends who are smarter than you, is wealthier than you and who is a Christian! For the most part, they did it, but as we all do, we look to the left and to right of 

us to those who look like they are having more fun and doing things we’ve always wanted to do so they did it as well as I did as a teenager and got badly bitten! Because ALL those things we did was sinful and destructive to our body and spirit! And, boy, was it a hard climb out of that deep pit - but we climbed out and are still climbing! 

Answer each question honestly. 

1. Who do you call on when you are upset? 

    2.  Can you truly say you have committed to a cause, a loved one, or a relationship?

    3.  Are you in fear, in fright, or flight during a time of dread or terror?

We read the questions and see these words above; and we’ve even paused to contemplate in our minds “how” to truly answer; but yielding to the questions already proves the wavering of the thoughts and actions of a confused and indirect heart and mind that is set upon “what if”! 

To be steadfast and fixed in our hearts and minds is to know without a doubt, you can be yourself without compromising your integrity and convictions. 

Well God put on my heart, instead of three friends, add a fourth one. So briefly look at your past and then diligently look at where you are now - and where you would like to go.
Now pick at least four people you feel are your true friends; and ask yourself these questions? 

1. Do I have a friend who is smarter than me? Why? Because it helps you to increase in knowledge to exercise your brain as well as power (I call it confidence; whereas, knowledge of anything should give you confidence to pass an exam because you know it) You seek to increase and come up to a level that, without this friend, you would have never obtained. 
2. Do I have a friend who is a true servant of God? Anyone who serves God and is committed to Him will “affect” and “infect” you! 
3. Do I have a friend who is wealthy? How did they become wealthy. Through hard work , sacrifice, and belief they could have wealth like anyone else. Or did they steal, cheat, and step on toes to reach their goal. Through righteous living or unrighteous living. The righteous wealth is from God and adds no sorrow! (Proverbs 10:22 AMPC) "22 The blessing of the Lord—it makes [truly] rich, and He adds no sorrow with it [neither does toiling increase it]."
4. Do I have a friend who is exact opposite of me? Many of you who are married can answer this question with a yes. Men and women are opposites, yet are created to compliment each other through their individual gifts and character traits a spouse is supposed to focus on and acknowledge over what they do wrong. Their wrongs are very minimal  to what they do right; yet most women and some men will focus on that little wrong and tear down bridges and walls being built just to destroy one’s spirit- because your heart has become callous and hard. It is usually from a past hurt that has “nothing” to do with your spouse - but your choice to hold on to it is slowly crumbling all the while to a point of destruction and lots of debris.

It’s always good to surround yourselves with good company and good people; however, in the search to find them it will take time to first let God cleanse you first before you take it upon yourself to view another person insignificant and unworthy- because we ALL are unworthy of His Love due to our sinful nature that No One can deny. His Word says, "ALL have sinned and fallen short of His Glory" (Romans 3:23); yet God still loves us and wants a relationship with us that will last through All Eternity! 

Romans 3:20-25 AMPC 
20 For no person will be justified (made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable) in His sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law. For [the real function of] the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin [not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character].
21 But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the Prophets,
22 Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [And it is meant] for all who believe. For there is no distinction,
23 Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives.
24 [All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,
25 Whom God put forward [before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment.

Who holds you up when things are crumbling down?