1 Samuel 14:7
“So his armorbearer said to him, ‘Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.’”

Most people would agree that it’s important you keep good people as your close friends because of the influence they might have on you. I would go further to say your close friends determine who could ever become in life.

The people you walk with help shape you. They can either expand the possibilities before you, or they can close you in. What they think, what they say, and how they see things, to a large extent, shape who you become and how you progress. Choosing your close friends and partners is one of your life’s most critical decisions.

In the context of this story, Jonathan’s armor bearer is a little detail that many may easily overlook, but his statement is so profound. When Jonathan mentioned going to the Philistine garrison the first time (verse 1), the armor bearer said nothing. But when Jonathan mentioned it a second time, the young man’s response was quite revealing.

He said, “Do all that is in your heart…I am with you, according to your heart.” Incredible. Peradventure, he sensed Jonathan was getting afraid, or Jonathan needed the affirmation. The moment Jonathan introduced the God-factor in his vision statement, the young man concurred.

Make sure you are surrounded by faith-based people. Make sure you have sound people around you. Make sure you have people who know your heart and can sense your mood. Make sure you have people of integrity whose words you can count on, and receive affirmation from.

Stay away from flippant and careless people who are either not going anywhere or are constantly talking about shallow things. Stay away from people who are cowardly and are quick to flee at any appearance of danger. Embrace people who can see with God’s eyes.

Your success and failure may be directly or indirectly linked to the people you keep around you. Therefore, be everyone’s friend, but don’t make everyone your confidant. Your life’s vision and your life potential may just depend on these few people you keep close to you.