Be selective in choosing your friends

If you looked at the Bible from the perspective of story telling you would never run out of interesting characters. There are some men and women who are both dynamic and inspiring, and there are others who have failed so miserably that you would not recommend as role models for your worst enemy. Often that dichotomy is within the same person. Over the course of the life of David was both.

Tucked away in the second book of Samuel we meet a list of men who surrounded David. They were grouped together presumably when David was anointed king of the nation of Israel but had not yet and would not for some time assume the throne of leadership. They bear the title of Mighty Men. Men who were professional soldiers, the mercenaries of the future king, men to whom the king could call upon, lean upon and trust with his life.

We all need people in our lives like this band of mighty warriors. Men need to selectively choose men with whom they will surround themselves.

Likewise, women need to selectively choose women with whom they will surround themselves. Is discrimination being encouraged? Absolutely not. However, there is a level of connection that men need to have met by men and women by women. Our own pop-culture with shows like "Entourage" and "Sex and the City" recognizes that men need men and women need women.

The key word in gathering the group is selectivity. We each become like those with whom we surround ourselves. If their standards are high, we strive to raise ours. If their standards are questionable, it becomes easier to compromise our own.

What kind of traits did these men possess that point us to our own mighty men? First, they chose to be mighty. They did not shrink back from overwhelming odds and danger. They were courageous. We need people in our lives that will encourage and challenge us to stand up to the giants.

Second, they possessed great faith. They understood a faith as taught by David that God is powerful. He is a mighty warrior who fears no one and nothing and when he is on your side you have no reason to fear.

Surround yourself with mighty people and by faith stand courageously.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father, minister and writer. Read more from him at www.robhurtgen.wordpress.com.