Pupils and teachers part 2 (Luke 6:40)

A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. (Luke 6:40 NASB)

We looked at this verse yesterday and saw that the word for "trained" can also mean repaired or mended. The objective for the disciple of Christ is to allow Him to heal all our broken, hurting places and make us like Him. 

It is important to understand that Jesus is not the only teacher we, as pupils, have the option to follow. We can also follow one or more of our fellow humans, or even the evil one. The training we receive depends on the quality of the life we follow. The person we become is totally dependent upon the one we follow, as well. 

That is the very reason parents are so concerned about the friends their children choose. We become like the people with whom we associate. We begin to speak like the people to whom we listen.  

What good characteristics have you learned from your friends? What negative (or less than godly) characteristics have you learned from them?  How have you become more like those with whom you spend the most time?  Are you more like Christ because of the time you spend with them?

Today, pray that we and our loved ones will make wise choices about friends and associates. Pray that we and our loved ones will grow so much in the ways of Christ that we will have a positive influence on those around us.