Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭33

It cannot be overstated that what we do matters.

It cannot be refuted that misery loves company.

It cannot be ignored that the best of intentions often lead us in circles.

The old adage in AA goes like this: “if you hang around a barber shop long enough, you’ll eventually get a haircut.”

Sure, it dates the authors a bit, but the premise holds strong despite the era. Jim Rohn is attributed with the quote and observation that “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

This may not be completely factual, but it makes sense intuitively, it makes us think about our own closest friends, and it opens itself up for controversy and discussion.

There is plenty of truth in it for the recovering addict who is encouraged to change people, places and playgrounds when sobering up. Sobriety, and better yet living with morals and character becomes so much more attainable when we begin spending time around men and women who embody the way of life we aspire to.

Truly, spending time with and emulating our spiritual mentors pays infinitely more dividends than all the best intentions in the world.

A sober friend is a lifeline.

God, thank you for friendship; help me be a friend for those in need.