Research Says, You Might Be In Trouble

We've all heard the research news over and over again.  Eggs are bad.  Eggs are good.  Eggs are bad.  Eggs are good.  I just checked, and as of today, they are good.  I suggest you research that tomorrow.  It could change.

This morning, as my family and I were driving to church, we were listening to a podcast.  In it, the speaker said that recent research from Harvard University says that the number one thing that will determine your success is (drum roll please) your friends, family, and acquaintances.  Specifically, the five people you spend the most time with.

That means that your IQ, your degree, your experience and your skill set is not the most important things you should be paying attention to.  Instead, you need to asses who you surround yourself with.

I've known this, and the research, for years.  I've told teens that if they want to change their life, change their friends.  I've said to people who have recently been released from prison that if they don't want to go back, don't go back and hang out with the people they got into trouble with in the first place.  I've told struggling married couples to stop hanging out with divorcees.  If you don't want to be negative, don't hang out with negative people.

Instead pick people who are positive, uplifting, encouraging and who believe in you.  Pick people who will invest their life and wisdom into you.  Pick people who you want to be like and let them into your life.

Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

So, who do you pick? 

#1 Jesus.  That's right.  Jesus is your best friend who can and will invest everything into you.  Let Him. 

#2 Mentors.  Pick someone who has been where you want to go and ask them for their guidance.  You will find them more willing than you think. 

#3 Coaches.  No, not like a football coach.  Someone who will make you think.  Someone who will ask you hard questions and hold you accountable for answers.  

#4 Friends.  People who will befriend you in supportive and loving ways.  Don't pick friends who will take advantage of your weaknesses. 

#5 Family.  A family doesn't have to be of blood relation.  Dysfunction sometimes disqualifies family members the privilege of speaking into your life.  But find someone who will be closer to you than a brother. 

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, help me to find the right people to speak into my life today.  AMEN