Show Me Your Friends, I'll Show You Your Future

Graduation often marks a significant change in life. While we move ahead when we graduate, we also leave some things behind. Like flying on a trapeze—soaring in midair has an uncertain ending. Graduation puts us in a neutral zone of trying to figure out what will happen when we reach the other side.

Our family of origin holds the greatest influence on us when we are young. However, a shift in the most influential voices often occurs in our teen years. Those we hang out with and listen to shape us to be like them. Scholars study with other scholars. Athletes run with other athletes. Partiers hang out together. People of faith lean into that community.

In northern Israel, we visit the remnants of an altar built to worship a false god. The story from 1 Kings 12:1-15 is the exact illustration of this axiom: Show me your friends, I’ll show you your future. Our friends, regardless of our age or position, exert tremendous influence on us. King Rehoboam trusted the wrong people. As President Reagan said about the Soviets, “Trust, but verify.” Rehoboam did not consider the source. He listened to the wrong voices. Another axiom is: Big doors swing on small hinges. Rehoboam’s decision had a devastating effect. Had he listened to wisdom, not folly, the north-south split of Israel and Judah might have been avoided.

Our theme this week is about FRIENDSHIP. Our daily scripture readings will revolve around this topic. The axiom is true for any age: Show me your friends, I’ll show you your future.