How Contagious Are You?

Walk with the wise and become wise;
    associate with fools and get in trouble.

Proverbs 13:20 

 

I like to observe interactions we have with each other.  Through my studies, I have learned that we tend to take on some of the mannerisms, speech patterns, and traits of those we allow as friends.  I'm not talking about the casual "friends" rather those who truly know us.  You see, we are contagious!  We influence each other, like it or not.

 

I can still hear my Mom telling me that one of my friends was a "bad influence" and, like most kids my age, I thought she was mistaken.  It didn't take long before we got into some pretty serious trouble. I had to find out the hard way that she was right.  

 

That was the point where I tried to be a bit more selective about who I allowed to get that close to me again.  One of my elementary teachers shared a quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin: "If you would have a good friend, BE a good friend!"

 

Be careful who you allow to influence you.  Be a positive influence on others, while you're at it.