Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

The first thing that would occur to me would be consciously choosing to frequent the types of venues (particularly those associated with work/school/church, hobbies, or group extracurricular/recreational activities) that appeal to you, and that would also be more likely to draw the type of person with whom you are seeking to strike up a friendship, and with whom you would thus already have something in common.

In addition, maintain an outward-directed focus that would be more likely to pick up on opportunities that might arise from seemingly chance encounters that can be developed into increased contacts with or knowledge of individuals with whom you come into contact.

You would also want to avoid activities or situations (even those concerning common interests) if they would somehow present a possibility for devolving into detrimental (or even illegal) activities or habits (Proverbs 1:8-19).

September 05 2021 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Danny Hickman Supporter Believer in The Gospel Of Jesus Christ

"How can I choose the right friends?"

To what end, for what purpose? To pray with, or for? To rob a bank? It depends on what you want them for. '(';')' (Where's my English teacher, Ms Clara Daniels?) It all depends on the purpose for which you want or need them. 

"Right friends" is a broad concept. Jesus was accused by the religious right of His day of hanging out with the "wrong people." They said, 'He eats with tax collectors and sinners.' (Mt 9:11, Mk 2:16, Lk 15:2, Lk 5:30). As you can see, it was a constant refrain. It was the chorus of a popular song. 

He explained, however, why He hung out with tax collectors and sinners. He said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Mk 2:17) 

So you see, the people you choose to befriend depends on what motives you have for wanting to be their companion. If you're looking for someone to lift you up, that's one thing. If you're looking for someone to lift up, then that's something altogether different. Jesus was looking for people whom He could help. The religious right who were criticizing His choice of friends, made it abundantly plain that they didn't need His help, that they had nothing for which to be repentant. 

Which group was the "right friends" group? Sometimes it ain't that easy to know... It all depends on what's meant by "the right friends."

December 02 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report