Seven Words

One thought led to another. The profound truth of a single statement consumed me as I sat in the window at the coffee house. John Crotts in his book Craftsman: Christ Centered Proverbs for Men said "Everyone becomes like that which surrounds them."

Seven words.

"Everyone becomes like that which surrounds them."

The truth is evident everywhere.

*Surround a positive person with critical ones and the positive spirit becomes more critical.

* Surround an enthusiastic person with apathetic ones and watch how easily passion is lost.

* Surround an outward-focused follower with self-focused believers and watch the burden for the lost diminish.

"Everyone becomes like that which surrounds them."

Sure there are exceptions. Fish that swim against the flow of those in the school. The man or woman of unshakable principle that does not bend, does not waver, does not compromise.

But. . .

Most of us are like the "everyone."

And "Everyone becomes like that which surrounds them."

So today what will surround you? What will surround me?

Which friends, which co-workers, which fellow-followers will be the influences in the "surrounding" of our lives?

It matters.