Deciding whom to speak with and befriend makes a big difference in one’s life. Social media has somewhat revolutionized the attitudes of many, as it is a mode of communication that is typically fast and frequent. In any case, whether by social media, phone, text, letter, or in person, communication with a good, true friend can provide real encouragement in life. On the other hand, a false friend or toxic acquaintance can trigger discouragement or even depression. The amount, intensity, and frequency of the interaction all make a difference.

We may have more choice in this matter than we might realize. Certain things in life are beyond our control, but other things we can decide to some extent. The apostle Paul warns: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

“Nothing can more effectually prevent or banish serious impressions and good desires than association with vain, careless, and corrupt-minded persons. . . . The more engaging they are in other respects, the more should their influence be dreaded as companions, because they throw around an irreligious life so many dangerous attractions.”1

Yet, what if we communicate with—and learn to know very well—One who is pure, holy, and perfect? What a blessing beyond comparison! By communicating closely with our Creator, our spiritual life is engaged and energized, our moral compass set aright, our heart purified.

“The Lord has called us out of the world to be a peculiar, holy people unto Himself. ‘Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.’ [Jeremiah 31:3.] Are you indeed drawing nigh to God? If so, be assured that He is drawing nigh unto you.”2

“If we keep the Lord ever before us, allowing our hearts to go out in thanksgiving and praise to Him, we shall have a continual freshness in our religious life. Our prayers will take the form of a conversation with God as we would talk with a friend. He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Often there will come to us a sweet joyful sense of the presence of Jesus. Often our hearts will burn within us as He draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. When this is in truth the experience of the Christian, there is seen in his life a simplicity, a humility, meekness, and lowliness of heart, that show to all with whom he associates that he has been with Jesus and learned of Him.”3

This is what the world is hungering and thirsting to see. If we lack this close relationship with Christ—this personal connection with Him—our missionary efforts in His name will be fruitless.

“The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was ‘the former rain,’ and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant.”4

May the experience of those in the time of the early rain be repeated today—and indeed, much more abundantly: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13, emphasis added).

“When God’s people humble the soul before Him, individually seeking His Holy Spirit with all the heart, there will be heard from human lips such a testimony as is represented in this scripture, ‘After these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.’ There will be faces aglow with the love of God; there will be lips touched with holy fire, saying, ‘The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.’ ”5