
BAD COMPANY CORRUPTS GOOD CHARACTER
1 Corinthians 15:33
New International Version
33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Wisdom tells us we should be cautious about who our kids hang around but if not careful we can think to ourselves as adults that we are more mature and can withstand the temptations of bad company.
The only way for holiness to be fruitful is to surround ourselves with the memory and witness of others.
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Your inner circle should be those who are encouraging spiritual growth founded in Christ. Be encouraged by the cloud of witnesses that came before us. The zeal of Paul, the courage of Peter, the selfless love of the martyrs.
Equally yoked is used in a marriage context but it is wise to apply the standard to the close company we keep as well.
Amos 3:3
New King James Version
3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?
How can you expect to move in one direction while being pulled in another? Sure by great willpower you may drag yourself a quarter of a mile and fall into exhaustion but imagine the journey without the resistance of bad company.
This doesn't mean we are to neglect the message of the gospel and not to love those who are not yet walking in the same direction. But it takes discernment, good judgment, and wisdom to know how far to walk before it's time to turn around. It doesn't mean we are better than others but simply we know how weak the flesh is, we know how easily the carnal nature loves sin.
If a farmer after planting never left the field, he would die from starvation as his labor is far from producing fruit. He must leave, go home, rest, eat, drink, and return periodically to check on the field.
We must also be like the farmer, plant the Word, but we must also spend time at home (the body of believers), rest in the justification of Christ, eat of the bread of life (the Words of God), drink of the living water (stay hydrated by the Holy Spirit) and then return to labor some more.
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