While the Israelites were camped at Acacia, some of the men defined themselves by sleeping with the local Moabite women. These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, and soon the Israelites were feasting with them and worshiping the gods of Moab.
-- Numbers 25:1-2
Who your friends are matters. Just as you might influence someone for the good, they might influence you for the bad. Or vice versa. We’ve all heard we need to choose our friends carefully. Believe it.
Not all the Israelites believed it. They thought they could do whatever they wanted with whomever they wanted. They probably figured they could resist the allure of different gods. Yeah. Like they resisted the Moabite women. God got justifiably angry. The Bible tells us that 24,000 people died because of their sin.
Do you think the actions and attitudes of others won’t impact you? Are you sure? Really sure? If you hang out with someone who gossips, do you listen or change the subject? Do you look the other way at a co-workers not quite honest business tactics? Do you watch movies that have a lot of foul language and sexual jokes? Do you find yourself skipping church because you were out too late the night before or a “friend” has a better plan?
If you socialize with people who share your values, you’ll be happier and you won’t stray from yourself or God. You’ll reflect onto others. You’ll influence your co-workers, your friends, your family -- in a good way that reflects God in your life. Give it a try. You might amaze yourself.
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