“Birds of a feather…”
I’m sure you’ve heard the adage “birds of a feather flock together.” When applied to humans, this saying simply suggests that people tend to associate with others that have similar interests and values. In bird behavior, ornithologists recognize this “flocking together” as a means of protection from predators, suggesting that there is “safety in numbers.” This is also applicable to humans, and believe it or not – we have a predator! 1 Peter 3:8 tells us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Satan is relentless and will use anything to keep you from fulfilling the call that God has on your life, including being an influence on your decisions about who you “flock” with. Proverbs 13:20 states that “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Take a moment and evaluate the people you most often associate with. Are they kind, compassionate, disciplined, and honest? Do they have goals and encourage you to fulfill yours? Do they “bring out the best in you”? Likewise, it is just as imperative that you do a self-evaluation. Would your friends consider you to be someone that they need NOT associate with or would they “flock” to you as one of those people who they recognize as a positive influence in their lives?
“Flocking” with the wrong crowd can lead to wasted time, regret, compromises and bad decisions that could pull you down and hold you back from your divine appointment. In Proverbs 22:24, 25 we read these words: “Do not associate with a man given to anger or go with a hot-tempered man, or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself.” Choosing to assort with ill-tempered, negative, selfish, unloving and unmotivated people can be detrimental to your present circumstances and even have an impact on your future. In contrast, being around the right people can motivate and inspire you to persevere and to be fruitful for the Kingdom of God. Students, if you are struggling in the classroom, surround yourself with students who are serious about their learning and who study diligently. If you are wrestling with the Scriptures, find someone among your Point family who can encourage you in your spiritual walk. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)
Although it is wise for us to be selective of our friends and to set appropriate boundaries for our own good, the reality is this – we will cross paths with people who may exhibit behavior that we are trying to avoid. Consequently, it is in these times that we must look at those people through the eyes of our Creator and show the love of God. Our Christ-like behavior toward them may be what brings about a positive change in their lives! As members of the Point University community, let us “…spur one another on toward love and good deeds…” (Hebrews 10:24), and carry ourselves in such a manner that people will seek us out and “flock” to us in their time of need.
Dedra R. Woolfolk, Ph.D.
Professor of Science
Chair, Department of Math & Science
Father God, give us Your divine insight to choose our friends wisely. Strengthen us as we endeavor to let Your love flow through us in our daily interactions with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.