We have always had a lot of potted plants around our house. I love sitting on the porch surrounded by our plants. In the spring, after being over-wintered in the garage, some of them look a little rough. But by late summer, they are lush and beautiful. We spend a lot of time together repotting and caring for our plants. They create an inviting environment on our porch.
A few weeks ago, we were doing some repotting together in the garage. I pulled one plant out of its pot and discovered what I thought was an earthworm. We are happy to have earthworms around but this creature looked a little suspicious. Upon closer inspection we noticed that this creature was an iridescent greenish-brown and was much longer and flatter than a typical earthworm. It also had a head like a hammerhead shark.
After some research we concluded that we had a hammerhead worm. While harmless to humans, they are bad for the environment. This invasive species preys on earthworms and can wipe out entire populations, so it had to go. This must be done carefully as it regenerates when cut.
Worms have to be careful who they associate with or it could be their demise. Like the earthworm, I think we have to make some wise decisions about the people we hang around. Are the people you spend time with encouragers, people who believe in the power of God that is at work in your life, and people who want the best for you? Or, are the people you spend time with sucking the life out of you? Are they encouraging bad habits and negative behavior? Are they keeping you from your God-ordained purpose in life?
We have a limited time here on earth and it is our choice how we spend that time. Sometimes we choose to hang around the wrong people, people who want to drag us down. These are people who have lost their way through bad circumstances. Sometimes, you or I could spend time with them and help them get back on the right road, if they are willing to receive the help and move forward from their circumstances.
Sadly, some people don’t want to change or get better, they just want to wallow in the mud of their lives. These are people we need to avoid.
On the flip side, we all get discouraged at times and we all need people in our lives who will encourage and build us back up. I think of these people as those who come along and find us knocked down. They help us to our feet, help us brush ourselves off and then they give us a swift kick in the backside to get us going in the right direction again. Those are good friends that we want to treasure because they care deeply about us and they want the best for us.
We have to consider who is on our team. Who are the players in our lives who are helping us reach our godly potential? Are we investing in their lives and allowing them to invest in ours? Do we mutually encourage each other to give our best? The players on our team can influence whether we will reach our destiny. Choosing to avoid life-drainers and spending more time with life-infusers can change the outcome of our lives. It’s important to carefully choose the people you hang around and those you call friends because they will influence you for the positive or for the negative.
God has a plan for your life, but His plan requires that you work with others to achieve your God-ordained purpose. We were designed for teamwork. That’s why it is so important to choose the right people to walk with you in life. It is important to reach out to others who are going through difficult times — that’s the love of God in you reaching out to them. When you are struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out and take a hand from your teammates.
I want to encourage you to examine your life. Are you a giver and builder? Do you encourage and strengthen others in their pursuits? Do you allow others to bless and encourage you? Life is about giving and receiving. A team works together so each player can reach their potential. God needs you to connect with others who see and expect the best in you. He wants you to look at others and do the same.
There is no limit to what could be accomplished if we all live like that.

Doug Creamer teaches Marketing at East Davidson High School. His website is located at www.dougcreamer.com Contact him at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041 or email doug@dougcreamer.com