It was a strange drive back to college. I knew something was brewing, but though I might just reach my destination fast enough and avoid it. I could not face her as usual, but I hoped she hadn’t noticed. Why did my mentor volunteer to take me on this nearly two hour journey? We talked and joked and for a moment I felt relieved. “It may just be that I am given to a guilty conscience.” She had this way of creating a stillness in the atmosphere that makes you think. I wasn’t sure if this was taught her at law school, but it could scare somebody.
I scanned my behaviour during the holiday and concluded, “yeah, I’m good.” As soon as the van pulled up to college gate and she leaned toward my face. With an uncommon blend of the fear and love of GOD, she said, “Honey, do not be deceived. Bad company corrupts good character.”
“Ugh!”
I could hardly move. Her words were so convicting! I knew with her keen sense of discernment, my new-found clubbing lifestyle had been made know to her. She was so gracious all along knowing and waiting for me to say something.
I agreed with her and said my goodbyes quickly, still her words never left throughout my college years.
Youths often need to be reminded of who they are in a way that does not leave them feeling condemned, but convicted by love.
I suggest that JESUS love language is obedience since he said in John 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commands.”
Those who dare to step out and say something you’re doing is not true to who you are may be the one sent to save you. If you don’t understand right then reserve your response and pray on it. Our love is perfected in relationships.