As I am becoming aware of the things in my life and how they either hinder or enhance me I noticed my friends. I realized that they are not helping themselves or me with their habits or way of thinking. I was once in that place as well, but now I see that is not where I want to be and that I want to continue growing and making positive changes. When looking at ways to progress I didn't pay attention to the people I had around me and their affect. Now that I have I see that these are not the friends to have. Is this wrong to think this way? If not, how do I distance myself from these people with out harming them? I feel as though I have an obligation and by moving away it will bring more attention instead of less. What should I do? Please share your opinions with me. Thank You
2007-05-13 16:21:30 · 12 answers · asked by Yum with no animals involved 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Don't let them hold you back. Probably THEY will draw away from you as you change more and more. Just spend less and less time with them if you are in hurry to part ways.
2007-05-13 16:27:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is not easy way to distance yourself from people who are a bad influence on you. But, you have to decide that you walk with God is more important than anyone else. In the past, I was in the same situations with some friends I had known for years. When I told them I could not do the things I used to do, they became very offended. Even family members forsaked me. But later down the road, God used my conviction as a testimony to them that I had truly walked away from my sinful life. It impacted them and they later kind of understood. Don't look at your cutting away of old friends as a bad thing, but rather as a testimony that you are serious about God. Your actions will convict them about their own life and God can use it to lead them to salvation as well. If they see you are truly living the life and that you are happy. It can eventually draw them. If you don't seperate yourself then you will find your self back in bondage and doing the same things you were before. You are in a spiritual fight and the devil will work through your worldly friends to take you down.
2007-05-13 17:45:32 · answer #2 · answered by super saiyan 3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think every person whose lifestyle takes a sharp turn, faces this dilemma. The same happened to me when I became a religious person. In my case I did not have to artificially distance myself from my old friends, but it happened naturally anyway, as our interests differed so much. The good news is you will make many new friends in whose friendship you will be more fulfilled as they will help you to progress spiritually. One famous saintly personality said that we are 95% of our association, so if you want to become spiritually advanced, you should surround yourself with people of respective qualities and interests :) Good luck in your quest !
2007-05-13 16:35:54 · answer #3 · answered by Sadhaka 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are friends and so called friends.True caring friends will push you forward and support your decisions. When we revalue our values and find out that we need to change to move on you will not be leaving the true friends behind.Have a positive attitude and be honest to yourself before being honest to others.Sometimes we changing helps others to see the light and change too.
2007-05-13 16:32:22 · answer #4 · answered by thumba 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Slip out the back, Jack. Make a new plan, Stan. You don't need to be coy, Roy. Hop on the bus, Gus. You don't hafta discuss much, just drop off the key, Lee- and get yourself free.
2007-05-13 17:04:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
When they question your change in attitude you can explain that you want to better yourself. By doing so you put the ball in their court. If they accept you they will continue being your friend, if not then they will be the ones to distance themselves from you.
2007-05-13 16:39:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was a drug addict/alcoholic for 25 years.i had many bad friends...im not placing blame on them...but myself..
i became a born again christian and quit all the drugs/alcohol two years ago.
for me...i completly turned my life around,which meant everything...friends,unsupportive family,and anyone else putting drag on my salvation.
ive made all new friends,mostly from church.and new friends at work..mostly christians as well.
2007-05-13 16:59:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is it that you don't like about your friends? And why do you assume that they won't change? Maybe if you stick around and provide a good example instead of abandoning them, you can make a positive change in their lives.
2007-05-13 16:26:09 · answer #8 · answered by Jensenfan 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You don't distance yourself, you simply no longer partake as they do.
2007-05-13 16:25:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Stop bathing, eventually they will all go away
2007-05-13 16:32:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋