Get Honest About Your Circle

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

Proverbs 27:17

“There are friends who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” 

Proverbs 18:24

This is part 3 of 5 in the series “Move the Needle” by author Megan Valentine.

There is mutual benefit in the friendship these verses talk about: each person being made better by the other, each becoming more efficient for their God-given purpose.

One of the biggest decisions that chart the course of our lives is the people we allow into our circle. It is often said that we become like the five people we spend the most time with.

Who are your closest five? If you were to be completely honest… Do you admire their marriage, parenting, faith and values? Do you sincerely hope to become more like them?  Do they celebrate, challenge, support and speak honestly with you?

The people in your life can help you get where you’re called to go, and become who you’re called to be — OR they can hold you back from both. If your vision of who these five should be differs from whom your five actually are, it might be time to re-evaluate your friendships!

If you don’t have these kinds of friends, go find them! 

Let me ask you this. How badly do you want to become the sharpest version of you? The most Christ-like version of you? Enough to assess the key relationships in your life and create new ones if necessary?

Pursue Godly, authentic friendships and don’t wait for an invitation. Identify some people that have the kind of character, life and relationships you desire. Pick up the phone, set up a time to meet for coffee, dinner or to watch the game.  

Am I telling you to cut out non-Christian friends or kick people to the relational curb? No. But I am challenging you to get with people on fire for Jesus so you kindle your flame as well.

Just start somewhere!

Today’s challenge:  Write down the names of your top 5-8 closest friends. Answer the questions above.  If it’s time to enlarge the circle or get new friends reach out to someone new today.

Today’s devotion by Megan Valentine, a wife, mama of three, and author of the #1 National Bestseller No Place Like Known: A Journey Of Self-Discovery, Chasing Dreams, And Finding Home Right Where You Are. She is the founder of Team Brave: A community of women who are committed to pursuing their dreams, loving their people well, and living lives that matter.