Q: I don’t have any problem until I get around some of my old friends, who always tempt me to do things that mess up my life. They just laugh when I tell them to stop. Why do they keep pushing me like this?
A: One reason they keep pressuring you, I suspect, is because they don’t want to be told that they’re actually on the wrong road in life. In other words, they’re convinced they are right and everyone else is a fool. But the Bible warns, “A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good” (Proverbs 16:29).
In reality you have two problems—and I hope you’ll face them honestly and (with God’s help) deal with them. First, you have a problem with your so-called friends. Yes, you call them “friends”—but are they really? A true friend wants to help you, not tear you down. But these “friends” are only interested in themselves. To put it bluntly, you need to leave these “friends” behind and seek some new friends. The Bible wisely says, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’ ” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
But you also face another issue—and that’s your inability to resist temptation and do what’s right. This is why I urge you to turn to Jesus Christ and commit your life to Him. God loves you—and if you give your life to Christ, He’ll come to live within you by His Spirit, and help you live the way you should.
Recently we started a new year. Why not make it the best year you’ve ever had by asking Christ to come into your life? Then ask Him to lead you to friends who can help you grow strong in your faith.
