The importance of choosing friends/spouse with the same values

Today's scripture mastery is found in Deuteronomy 7:3-4

 3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.

 4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

Moses was teaching his people this truth while they were wandering in the wilderness for the 40 years after they fled Egypt.  While the council to avoid marrying those of other faiths seems harsh, the reason for that holds true.  If you decide to marry one of another faith, or who holds different values, then it makes it very difficult to hold to the truths that you know to be true.  It makes it difficult for your children to know what to believe, as the parents have different beliefs.  God wants us to be happy, so that is why he gives us that commandment.  If two people have the same values and the same faith, there is much less chance for conflict, and much less chance that one or both of the spouses, and their children will have to make very difficult choices with respect to what to believe.

That same council goes for choosing friends.  The friends that we choose have a huge influence on what choices we make in life.  They can either point us towards good things, or they can lead us away.  The "handbook" for the youth in the church, called For the Strength of Youth, has this council on choosing friends:

Choose your friends carefully. They will greatly influence how you think and act, and even help determine the person you will become. Choose friends who share your values so you can strengthen and encourage each other in living high standards. A true friend will encourage you to be your best self.

To have good friends, be a good friend yourself. Show interest in others and let them know you care about them. Treat everyone with kindness and respect. Go out of your way to be a friend to those who are shy or do not feel included.

Paul taught the Corinthians this (2 Corinthians 6:14):

 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

And Christ's teachings in the sermon on the mount are very relevant here (Matthew 6:24):

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.