“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

There will be all sorts of people who are part of your life, but it is important to be intentional with what role they play.

The “bad” friends are often obvious. These types of people might be fun to hang out with, but they take your life in a direction you don’t want to go. They emulate qualities that you do not want to have for yourself. Maybe the only reason you still call them friends is because it would be too awkward to do anything else, so you keep them at arm’s length.

Then there are “general” friends. You might cheer for the same team or be involved in the same hobby. But if it weren’t for that team or that hobby, you wouldn’t be together. It’s good to have plenty of people in your life who are general friends, but there’s something even better.

The best friends are the ones who are not just fun to be with. They are the kind of people you’d like to become. They don’t just join you on your journey occasionally because they are headed for the same destination. These friendships will continue to grow when what you have now is gone. 

And as you are intentional with what role various people play in your life, don’t forget your greatest Friend, Jesus. He changed your destination from death to life, and he walks with you closer than anyone else can.