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I have been dealing with friend issues, and I am torn with indecision about what to do and I was hoping that someone would have some advice maybe. Here's the deal:

I have been best friends with this one girl since fifth grade, and we used to be so inseperable, helping each other out and lifting each other up. But last year, two new girls came to our school, and we befriended them. One of them came from a public school and frankly did not respect authority. She was very aquainted with worldy views, and when I got to know her more, I was afraid of the impression she would have on us.

The other girl professed to be a Christian, but she was different around diferent people. Whenever we started to talk about God, she was always agreeing. But when it was her and the other new girl, or her and my best rfiend, her attitude would be totally different, and she did things that shocked me.

Now my best friend is drifting away from me and God, I fear. We seem to be at bouts all the time now, and she prefers the company of the other two to me.

Don't get me wrong, I love my other friends, but I am so worried about them, and especially my best friend. I tried to warn her, but she wouldn't listen, and now I see that her life is being affected.

The problem is, I am scared of what will happen to me next. Should I disengage myself from them or stick with it and try to be the best example I can? I go to a small, Christian school, and they are practically my only friends. I must admit I am also afraid that they willt think I am a religious hypocrite, judging them if I go away. They already call me goody-two-shoes.

I talked to some of the teachers at my school about it, and they are all for getting away from them. But I also talked to my mom and she said that I should still be friends with them and try to overcome. It is so hard going to a Baptist school and being raised in a nondenominational church.

So does anyone have any advice? I really do not know what to do. I have been praying so hard, and I hope that God will show me His will. Thanks for listening!

That is a tough decision to make, but I think the bible must have the best advice on this issue. Try to help them out, if you can't cut them off. The best way to reach them is in a one on one situation. Tell them that you are concerned about them and how much you care about them, them let them know where they are straying away from the path. Make sure you use the best choice of words to not come off too harsh. If they don't listen even if you were polite about it, that might be a sign that it's too late to reach them now.

If you can't talk to them face to face you might want to try writing them personal letters. Just be sure to remind them how important your relationship is with them and that you want to work out your differences. If that still doesn't work, it might even cause a rift between you and your friends, which would be the best for you if that becomes the case.

What happened to me in that situation was I just stayed their friends, never talked to them about it, and they put distance between me and themselves anyways. We still grew apart; the only difference between that method and cutting off the relationship immediately was that what I did took longer and I had no chance of having a second try.

If you end up having to break off the relationship with them, it will be very tough and I suggest to pray regularly to God about it. Keep praying for them and be friendly with them, they might turn around for the best, just be patient. Continue going to church and try to go to any extra activities they may offer, youth group, church camp, bible studies, etc. These will keep you plugged in to God and on the right track, who knows you might even get to know more friends. I will keep you in my prayers and ask God to soften their hearts to you. Let me know if you need me to clarify anything or have any extra questions. God bless.

I totally agree.