People will accept others as 'Facebook Friends' and yet would not necessarily align their beliefs or behaviours with theirs.

Genesis 14:1-24

Reference:  v.12  They also carried off Abram's nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom. (NIV Bible)

Explore:  As teenagers we are often advised to be careful with who we associate ourselves with.  If we are caught hanging out in the wrong crowd then it is assumed we are behaving the same way.  Our connections and associations impact the perceptions of others.  Facebook has added an interesting dimension to our associations.  People will accept others as 'Facebook Friends' and yet would not necessarily align their beliefs or behaviours with theirs.  Do we only associate with those who are similar to us?  Or do we open our 'friendship' circles to everyone and anyone?

Application:  Lot was seen to be connected to the people of Sodom because he was living in close proximity to them.  Therefore, when Sodom was seized so too was Lot and all his possessions.  People will make assumptions and draw conclusions about us according to who we associate ourselves with.  While this was detrimental in Lot's situation, often people will 'name-drop' a popular name into conversation so they are perceived to be well connected.  Either way, our connections do have an impact on who we are.  If we continually associate ourselves with aggressive, power-hungry people it will not only rub off on our name but maybe on to our character as well.  If we position ourselves to associate with people who are encouraging, supportive and caring people then it is bound to rub off on our name and character as well.  Our associations have an impact not only on other people's perceptions but also on our own characters.

Prayer:  Lord, the more we know you the more Your character rubs off on us.  May we be a positive associate for others.  Amen.

Who are some people that you aspire to associate with?