Keeping Good Company

When asked the question, “How would you define a friend,” what do you think the most common answer is? Someone you can talk to about anything? Someone who loves you unconditionally? Someone who is there for you when you need them? No, the most common answer is, someone who accepts me just as I am. But of all the answers given, that is the wrong one.

People who accept you “just the way you are” are not friends, they are called strangers. The kid at the party store, the person in the fast-food drive-thru window, the clerk in the post office, they all accept you just the way you are. They don’t care about you. You are only one of many faces that pass their way every day. Success-minded people know that a true friend always wants to make them better than what they are. As Henry Ford said, “My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.”

“Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”

George Washington

1932-1799

1^st President of the U.S.

As a success-minded person, you work to better yourself and face the many changes that require. Of all those changes, the toughest one to make will be in the area of friends. Here is the hard cold fact: there may be friends that you need to leave behind if you plan to move forward. That seems very hard require I know, but drag you down and work against your success.

Success-minded people must not allow those who would kill their dreams, drain their energy, and pull them down to have a place in their life. You are not rejecting your old friends; you are just not allowing them to destroy you. Think that is extreme? Look around and see how many would-be successful people have failed due to the negative influences in their life. As author John Stott said, “Sin and the child of God are incompatible. They may occasionally meet, but they cannot live together in harmony.”

Remember that you can and should be a loyal friend to all; you do not, however, have to hand your life over to them. Be the example by doing what is right and leaving all else behind. I know it is hard, but it is the best move you will make. The example you set by being a success-minded person will be the light that others will follow out of the darkness. 

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2020 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without the permission of the author.