There is a reason you are not the only human on Earth. There are billions of people, each made and designed by God to serve Him and lead people to Him. One of the most defining things about your life is who you surround yourself with, because they influence your life more than you realize. 

The importance of godly friendships is frequently overlooked because in society today, it is normalized to surround yourself with people with differing religious views. While there is value in putting yourself in situations to be an example of Christ, we should never forget the value of a godly friendship.

If you can identify friendships in your life that do not honor the Lord, deeply consider how you can make this relationship honor God or if you need to abandon it.

Here are some ways to work on a sinful relationship:

• Suggest doing a bible study together
• Invite them to church
• Praying for this person and your relationship with them

Overall, be the type of godly friend that you pray God brings to you. People will be able to see the light of Jesus through you. Cutting off friends is never easy. Always keep in mind that you will never lose your greatest friend — Jesus. He is the best influence on your life and will never abandon you.

God designed people to worship together. That is why He created His church!

The most obvious setting to meet other believers is at church. Introduce yourself to those sitting around you, attend a life group meeting or join a serving team. If you are a college student, attend a college youth group night. In these places, you are surrounded by people who worship the same God and have the same goals as you. Remember, no one at church is perfect. You might even meet someone with the same sin struggles as you.

It is easy to identify a friend of yours who is a dedicated believer. These friends likely offer to pray with you, encourage you to attend church or bible study, and tell you what you need to hear — even if it is harsh. Friendships that are from God will not influence you into sin, constantly compare you to themselves or fail to be there in a time of need. God purposely places people in your life to walk with you on your walk in faith and push you ahead, not people who tempt you to turn around and take a different path.

The Bible often emphasizes the importance of growing alongside others. Friends are there to provide accountability, loyalty and prayer.

We often grow blind to certain things in our own lives. For example, you might be caught in a cycle of repeated sin to the point where it feels normal to you — while someone else can clearly see that you're drifting away from God. 

Picture a 100 lb. weight on your shoulders that you were forced to carry around constantly. But one day, your friend offered to take some of that weight and carry it for you. Imagine how much lighter you would feel! This is how godly friendships work with the sin in your life. You help each other, even if the weight of sin is heavy. The weight gets lighter when you share it with others.

The world tries to convince people that they should have themselves as their highest concern and highest priority, while God tells His people to be selfless and to care for others above themselves.

Reflect on these questions:

• Who is in your life with whom you grow spiritually?
• Am I helping others grow spiritually?
• What sin in my life do I need more accountability for?

An easy way to identify a person who could become a godly friend in your life is if they not only proclaim Jesus as their Lord, but also portray the fruits of the Spirit:

Take some time today to thank God for those He has graciously put in your life and ask Him to help you be the best version of yourself so that you can help those around you who may need it.

What a friend we have in Jesus!