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An old saying goes ... “that a person is know by the company they keep” - how true !

“Birds of a feather flock together” goes another old saying

The great observation is that … we become like those that we habitually acquaint ourselves with” In other words - we become like our friends ! And that's for better or for worse ! Like begets like.
So my advice to young people is … choose your friends carefully, because they will influence you far more than most anything else in this life !

And so … show me your friends and that will reveal a lot about you.

From the top strata of 'society ' to the gang culture, through the ages, this is evident … that we become like our friends, and those we habitually associate with.

And the same principle applies to any group or club … just observe the Mormons or other religious zealots as they go 'door to door' - clones from the same mould - think alike, sound alike, even look alike in many cases, their similarity is astounding !

So where is this subject heading … well - towards things of the spirit … the principle is exactly the same … that 'like attracts like', that 'species reproduce after their kind', constantly, inevitably, irresistibly, demonstrably.

The disciples, after being interrogated … and being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. Acts 4:23

Which leads on to another aspect of friendship .. after having been involved in the PRS and the institutionalised Church system for decades, and now having left them far behind, after some scars and bruises, my wife and I have simply chosen to meet with other like-minded believers – our FRIENDS of a similar spirit, whenever possible.
Those that we identify with, that we relate to, that we feel at ease and relax with, knowing that we are on the same page in beliefs and attitudes.
Those that we can speak freely with, that we can confide in and trust, that we can share our most intimate thoughts with, to be open with, transparent, vulnerable … true FRIENDS … awesome to have and to meet and spend time with.
Those generally mature believers who have also sought God, been born again, living and walking with Him, being led by His Spirit, seeking Him constantly … His friends also !

And JESUS had exactly the same … FRIENDS … His mates !
He made friends wherever he journeyed, of all stratas of society, in fact he frequented with those echelons considered lower than mainstream. Which became one thing that the Pharisees had against him – they called Him 'a friend of sinners' – prostitutes, and he even befriended a despised tax-collector like Matthew. Matthew 11:19 Luke 7:34

And on his last night on this earth he chose not to make a memorable speech, (as most other politicians or world leaders would have done) but simply spent the evening and shared a meal with his close FRIENDS ... His mates … and then prayed !

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15: 13-15
And one will say to him, ‘What are these wounds between your arms?’ Then he will answer, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.’ Zechariah 13:6

So what name or names should believers have – what title should appear over the door ?
Society of friends (that the Quakers use) is probably the closest – but the word Society brings a human institution with it, and pollutes it. Why not just … FRIENDS ?
To be known as a 'friend of Jesus' would be the highest honour I can possibly think of and attain.

Abraham had the most supreme title of any … to be known simply know as a FRIEND of GOD Isaiah 41:8 2 Chronicles 20:7 James 2:23

Moses also was known similarly … a FRIEND of GOD Exodus 33:11

And ... one of the most poignant of passages in Scripture … when Judas went to betray Jesus, He simply spoke to Judas … But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Matthew 26: 50
The thought arises – was Jesus by calling him friend, reminding Judas of their long association and so giving Judas his last chance to cancel his intended action ?
To still call your betrayer your Friend, while in the very act of betrayal … wow !

Friends … mates ! My mind goes back to the last night on earth of one of my longtime friends and his words … “travelled much, done a lot, but when I come to the end of the road, I appreciate my friends most of all at this time “

A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

Paul appreciated his friends in a time of need … And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care. Acts 27:3

For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. but woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:10

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 27:6

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17

Peters epic speech opening the door to the Gentiles was in a Gentiles house and to his family and close friends … wow … Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. Acts 10:24

And the apostle Johns last written admonition … but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name. 3 John14

But as with all aspects of life – friendship must needs be cultivated !
A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
And some people are better at it than others. It would appear to be an acquired skill.
To show empathy and an interest in getting to know others really well is vital.
Time and patience are involved … and remembering not to just talk about ones-self all the time.
Eventually the self-engrossed and the self-centered tend to find themselves quite lonely.

Facebook and Twitter, and the so called 'social media' does not appear to help at all.
They dont seem to breed or develop the required personal skills of developing friendships. By observation, most younger people these days spend more time with their computer or tablet or I-phone etc than they do in personal conversation ! Add to that the TV and the soaps ... and sports … not very conducive to building close friendships !
Has society spawned a generation of watchers instead of participants ?

So as the years roll by, and having survived the PRS and other groups since, the appreciation of my wife and I is simply to have a few close friends … a few true 'mates', who know us and our giftings, who we can share our hearts and inner beliefs with, that we can share encouragement and insights with, where we can know and be known !

Ahhhhhhh … to have such friends is to be truly blessed !

The rest becomes secondary, even superfluous !

After thought / epilogue …

The book of The Song of Solomon has been quoted as … “nowhere in Scripture does the un-spiritual mind tread upon ground so mysterious and incomprehensible as in this book, while the saintliest men and women of the ages have found it a source of pure and exquisite delight … its larger interpretation is of Christ, the Son and His heavenly bride the Church”

His mouth is most sweet, Yes, he is altogether lovely.
This is my beloved, And this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem! Song of Solomon 5:16