10 Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” 11 And with Absalom went two hundred men invited from Jerusalem, and they went along innocently and did not know anything. 12 Then Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city—from Giloh—while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy grew strong, for the people with Absalom continually increased in number.
Look how easy it is to get caught up in a conspiracy of rebellion! Verse 11 tells us that to hundred men tagged along on Absalom’s trek to Hebron, not having any idea of what was coming. Absalom would announce himself king and they’d be right in the middle of the events.
If there’s ever a good reason for being careful about the friends you choose, this story sure shows it. Why are these men in such a compromised place? Because they have befriended a deceiver, Absalom’s slick talking has drawn them close to him and led them toward a treasonous destination.
Never forget that relationships have destinations. Every friendship you have is leading you somewhere so you want to be certain that you choose your friends carefully and limit your close relationships to those who are going where you want to go. Making good choices in the people that surround your life is one of the primary ways to live the life you really want. Don’t be careless in your choice of friends, or you can end up in places you never intended to be.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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