Acts 4:13  When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus. (CSB)

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Jim Rohn is credited with saying, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” This statement stimulates a couple of thoughts. One, we need to take care in selecting who we surround ourselves with most often. Two, spending time with those people has real-world consequences.

Who are your five? What does this make possible? What does this prevent?

Peter and John spent a lot of time with Jesus. It showed. They were transformed from fishermen to fishers of men. The way they looked at people changed. They saw people the way Jesus did. For example, they didn’t look away from handicapped beggars. 

This man, who was over forty years old (verse 22), could not work at anything more than menial tasks. Each day, he was carried to a prime position for begging (verses 1 and 2). He had never known the pure joy of walking along an autumn lane on a crisp morning surrounded by trees painted by the Master Artist of the Universe. He had never run a race, run from danger, or run for the sheer delight of the exertion. 

He had never walked down an aisle with his daughter on his arm. He had never walked to work or walked home from it. He was at the mercy of those most closely related to him. 

On this day, he discovered there is a greater mercy than having a prime position for begging. He found a better provision than spare change falling from grudging hands. He found Jesus through two who had walked closely beside him and became more like him day by day. He found strong ankles and fleet feet. He found healing and walking, leaping and praising. He moved from a pitiable soul to a man who now possessed strength and capability he had never known. 

He met men who had been with Jesus, and he was transformed as they had been transformed. His story has helped multitudes find transformation across the centuries since that day of days so long ago. 

Transformed people help other people experience transformation. 

How’s your transformation coming along? Again, what does this make possible?  What does this prevent? 

Who are your transformed friends? How do you connect with one another and serve together to bring help, hope, and healing? 

People who include Jesus at the top of their lists of five closest associates average much more fruitful and effective lives than those who don’t. They tend to overflow with kind words and good deeds. They bless others with their company. They enrich the lives of those they encounter. 

Today’s a good day to spend time with Jesus and others who know him well. Every day should include time with those in our top five. Together with Jesus, we will see everyone and everything differently. We will relate to others appropriately. We will build a better world. People will notice we have been with Jesus, and like us, they will want more of him.

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I will spend more time with Jesus.

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