Choose Your Inner Circle Carefully

“And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.” Matthew 26:37 NKJV

“Running is more than a sport—it's a community of people at all stages of their journey. I’m so grateful for the friends I’ve made along the way. Some days, it’s more about the community than the run. Melissa and Larry are amazing people who I loving having in my circle.” Those were the words my dear friend Erika posted after the run we shared on Saturday that involved free donuts, a HOKA Test Drive event, and some awesome fellowship. And while running may have been the way my husband and I met Erika, she and I truly bonded together by our love of Jesus—a love that we have shared for countless years and is the reason, although I am blessed to have “a community of people” to run with, Erika is in my “inner circle.” You see, a Christian “inner circle” of friends is a group of people who share a commitment to following Jesus Christ and supporting each other during all stages of their faith journey. You can be sure, then, that they are to be chosen wisely and cherished for their unwavering love and faithful friendship.

And, you know, Jesus also had an “inner circle” of friends that consisted of Peter, James, and John. The Bible tells us that these three men were present with Jesus during special events, including Jesus’ transfiguration and the raising of Jairus’s daughter from the dead. “Peter and the two sons of Zebedee” also accompanied Jesus when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. And while we don’t know exactly why Jesus chose Peter, James, and John, we know that the trio witnessed Jesus’ greatest moments of glory and His darkest trials as well. And we also know, in the end, they were known for their unwavering love and faithfulness to the Savior. 

So choose your “community of people” carefully my friend. And knowing that a true friend loves at all times and will be found faithful in your time of adversity, be sure to choose your inner circle even more carefully. These will be the people you can count on to be with you through thick and thin, and the people that will be counting on you to be with them through the same. What a blessing these friends are!

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that it’s important to choose our inner circle of friends wisely since godly friends will draw us closer to You but the wrong company will lead us away from You. Help us Lord to understand the importance of godly friendships and to be a godly friend to those You have placed in our circle—doing all we can to help them grow in You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!