| The Every Day of Life |
Chapter 20 |
Page 6 |
Another says: “A friend has many functions. They come as the Brightener into our life, to double our joys and halve our grief’s. They come as the Counselor, to give a wisdom to our plans. They come as the Strengthener, to multiply our opportunities and be hands and feet for us in our absence. But above all use like this comes as our Rebuker, to explain our failures and shame us from our lowness; as our Purifier, our Up-lifter, our Ideal, whose life to us is a constant challenge in our heart – ‘Friend, come up higher, higher along with me; that you and I may be those truest true lovers who are nearest to God when nearest to each other.’”
Even when they leave us in death the influence of our friends and companions abides upon us, like an afterglow when day is done. The memory of their purity is a gentle restraint upon us when we would sin. Many a mother is more to her children when she is in heaven than she was when with them on the earth. Whether they ever see us – those sainted ones in glory – we know not, but there is an influence ever in which inspires us to noble things. One exhorts:–
“Whether near or far,
On earth or in yon star,
Their dwelling be,
So live that naught of dread
Would make us bow the head
Should we be told, ‘The dead
Can all things see.’”
Thus the influence of companionship projects even far beyond the earthly story of those who touch and impress our lives. Indeed, we can never get away from it, and can never be as though we had not experienced it.
If these things are true – and no one can doubt their truth – this matter of companionship is one of vital importance.Especially is it important for young people to give most watchful thought and care in choosing of their associates and friends. Of course, they cannot choose those with whom they shall mingle in a general way, at school, or in work or business. One is compelled oftentimes to sit or stand all day after day beside those who are not good or worthy.
The law of Christian love requires that in all such case the utmost courtesy and kindness shall be shown. But this may be done and the heart not be opened to real companionship. It is companionship that leaves its mark on the life, that is, the entering into relations in which the spirits blend. Jesus himself showed love to all men and women, but he took into companionship only a few chosen ones. We are to be like him, seeking to be a blessing to all, but receiving into personal relations of affection and confidence only those who are worthy and whose lives will help in the up-building of our own life.
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