Level Up: A 7-Day Journey to Help You Advance in Your CallingSample

Associate

One of the biggest reasons people either win or lose in life comes down to who they surround themselves with. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Show me your friends and you’ll show me your future.”

Well, it’s true. Those closest to us will have the greatest influence on us. The fact is, we become like those we spend most of our time with. Their values, attitudes, words, and behavior will shape who we become—either bringing out the best or the worst from us. That’s why we should be careful who we choose to associate with.

Consider professional sports. I’m a huge NBA fan and I love draft day, when those at the collegiate level have an opportunity to advance to the professional level. Draft day is an opportunity for teams to select players according to the needs and wants of the team.

So much scouting, study, and consideration goes into whom they choose to draft, which can greatly affect the future of the organization. Team owners and general managers will not only do their best research—they’ll also trade and invest financially to assemble a team that can compete for, and even win, a championship.

If the world of sports understands the importance of building a winning team, how much more important is it for you and me to surround ourselves with people who will help us win in life?

Your friend selections form the team that will direct the course of your future. And just like any good team has a variety of roles and positions to fill, the people we associate with will play a variety of roles and positions in our life—and vice-versa.

Are those closest to you a friend or a foe to your future? Are there people in your life whose access to you needs to be reduced or removed?

Whether it’s mentor–mentee or peer relationships, our life is greatly impacted—positively or negatively—by those closest to us. Although we cannot choose our family, we can choose our friends. And according to God’s Word, this should be done carefully.