The saying, Birds of a feather flock together, could be, like may others, a modern paraphrase of Scripture. The saying implies that people with common desire tend to fly in the same direction, parallel flight plans as it were. Don't we choose our friends the same way? Parents should learn that while their kids may not freely talk to them, its fairly easy to tell something about who they really are by judging the character of those with whom they associate.

Character is the true definition of a person? It's what we do and don't do when no one is watching? It's also what we do regardless of what anyone else thinks. Interestingly, bad character often comes through association with the wrong element while good character seems to be differnet from public opinion. Good character is seen as standing alone regardless of who stands with them and is not subject to sudden change like a shifting wind.

What then shall we conclude from Paul's writing? Here it is: if you want to know something of a person's character, take notice of what action they condone in others. In other words, look at the character of their friends and you'll probably tell the path your kids' character is taking. Peer pressure may lure someone into a group, but only a lack of spiritual conviction and the desire to be accepted lead them to emulate bad character.

It's said that men are their own worst judge. More times than not as Christians, isn't the bad character we criticize in someone else often something we condone in our own life? Thank God for the word of God. It's our consistent measuring stick for judging godly character. When we compare what we do to the principles in it, we'll not only see the degree of our variance but the Spirit living in us gives us power to change so we can avoid flying the wrong way with the wrong crowd.

1. Pray Through the Word - 365 devotionals on the subject of prayer by James R. Green (Ex 32; 1Cor 15)
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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