“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12 NKJV
King Saul had made several attempts to kill David, forcing him to flee from his home and everything that was familiar. Eventually, David ended up seeking refuge in the cave of Adullam.
When his family heard about it, they all went down to be with him. Pretty soon, David became the leader of 400 men (1 Samuel 22:1-2). By the time David went to Keilah to help them fight against the Philistines, his band of men had grown to about six hundred (1 Samuel 23:1, 13).
The Bible tells us that the men who went to be with David were those who were in distress, debt, or who were discontent (1 Samuel 22:2). That’s quite an interesting line up, but why were these type of people attracted to David?
It was because they knew they would find refuge in his presence.
What Kind of Company Do You Attract?
So let me ask you, what kind of people feel safe or comfortable in your presence?
It’s a fair question. Jesus attracted the marginalized and rejected ones in His society. He was called a friend of sinners and tax collectors (Luke 5:30, Matthew 11:19). The sick sought Him out as did the broken–the ones society had no use for. And He welcomed them all.
Jesus was–is–a safe place for those who have been abused, refused, or neglected by the world. He invites them to come and spend time in His presence knowing that as they do so they will be changed.
The sick will be healed.
The captives will be freed.
The rejected will be accepted and given a purpose.
What is your role in in your circle of friends?
Who’s in Your Circle? As children of God, we’re called to love each other as Jesus does. So let me ask you again, what kind of people are attracted to you? And what happens to them after they have spent time in your presence?
Do they go away feeling as though they had spent time in the presence of God? Or do they leave with the impression that you are just as hopelessly broken as they are?
Are you an encourager to the downtrodden? Do you speak Truth to those who need to hear it? Whether you want to admit it or not, you have a particular role to play among your circle of friends.
How does your friends influence your personality?
The people you spend time with will also have an impact on your personality. Not all the men who followed David were men of integrity, but he encouraged them to defend the helpless and fight for those who couldn’t fight for themselves.
Jesus encouraged His disciples to become “fishers of men” and bring others out of darkness and into His marvelous light.
Who’s in Your Circle? My friend, I encourage you to spend some time thinking about the kind of people who want to be around you and the influence you’re having on them. If you’re not making them long to become a disciple of Christ, it’s time to make a change.
Prayer
Abba Father, I long to be more like Your Son. Help me to have a positive influence on the people who spend time in my presence. Help me to love in such a way that I bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Pause for Reflection:
- What kind of influence do you have on others?
- Is that the type of influence you want to have?
- What can you today to be a more positive influence for those around you?
Other actions you can take:
