Acts 1:21-26 NKJV

[21] “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, [22] beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” [23] And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. [24] And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen [25] to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” [26] And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Our level of success is often determined by the people we surround ourselves with. When my life was running amuck, the folks I surrounded myself with were following suit. They did as I did and encouraged the continuation of my poor behavior. As I was nearing the end of my drug rehabilitation, I knew I couldn't return to the same group of people. If I were going to remain free from addiction, I could no longer associate with other active addicts.

As Peter demonstrated in the selection of the twelfth apostle, I had to be intentional with who I surrounded myself with. My mission was pretty simple... stay clean and serve God. If the people closest to me could not facilitate an environment conducive to those two stipulations, I had no space for them. It sounds selfish, but our inner circle is crucial to our outward success. I am where I am today because of a merciful Savior and friends who kept me pointed in His direction.