March 5 Thought for the day....choose the right friends

I have had the privilege of being around many of the great names in contemporary Christian life. Most of them are humble, loving, Christ-like people. However, I have had experiences with those who live in the limelight and have the "rock-star" attitude and treat others as if they are less than them. I have also been around some who are poor and have an entitlement mentality, and they too treat people with disdain. Paul addresses this issue in Romans 12:16

"Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble."

When Paul is talking about "high things," it means to have an attitude of superiority. It is the attitude that people have when they look down on others, think themselves to be better than others or choose to bring others down to control them or to make themselves feel better. I have seen people that have great wealth and power be very humble and encouraging. I have seen people who are poor and powerless teardown others and the reverse of both. "High things" are not about money or power; this is about attitude.

The word interpreted "humble" here refers to those who are not prideful, look for the best in others. Those who long to build others up and encourage them. Paul is saying these are the people we should choose as our friends, the ones we should allow in, closest to us.

In another verse, Paul encourages us to "build each other up," 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Each of us is chosen by God, loved and valued by Him. Every Christian is sons and daughters of Christ. Even if someone is not a Christian yet, they are still someone who Jesus loved enough to lay down his life.

Pride pushes us away from God and from being like Jesus to others. Choose to treat others as you would want to be treated. I think that too is in the Bible:)