By: Juliet Constantine
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. (1 Corinthians 15:33-34)
I grew up on Jamaican proverbial phrases such as “show me your company and I’ll tell you who you are” and “birds of a feather flocks together”. They actually mean the same thing: You will think and behave like your friends. These proverbs were used by parents in the training of their children. Having experienced as their parenting manual, parents knew firsthand that bad company corrupts. And so, like any good parent will do, my mom always tried to keep us from ‘bad company’.
The Apostle Paul, in speaking to the Corinthians, warned them about false teachers who didn’t believe in nor taught the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The believers were easily influenced and led to believe those false teachers, referred to as wolves in sheep clothing. But Paul’s caution to the believers is still relevant through all generation. Bad friends do corrupt!
“Be very careful how you choose your friends son.” These words keep rolling over in my head, more out of fear than out of faith. I do not want my freshman son to be led astray even in a Christian university. But the Holy Sprit quietly reminded me that Paul’s instruction was meant for every stage of one’s decision-making life.
Peer pressure is real and it does not only affect young people who are more impressionable; and who, in trying to find themselves, may give into it. Known as the wisest man because of his writings, more than his actions, King Solomon’s wisdom wasn’t enough to shield him against the corrupting influences of his wives. Yes. He was the wisest man but he was deceived. He chose wives that turned his heart from God! Their influences eventually changed his belief, his practices and his worship!
Show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are! With whom do you spend time talking, playing, having fun? Eve spent time talking with the Serpent. He only needed that one interaction – a very short conversation. By the time he was through, Eve was convinced! And the result is was we know it today – sin!
So choose well who you spend time with – who you call your friends. Know that there is a big difference between friends and acquaintances. Your friends you keep close. Maybe your acquaintances are a little more than hi, hello and bye. Do not be deceived in thinking that you are strong enough to withstand evil company. You know that if you walk in fire you will be burned. But worst yet, fire in your bosom burns deep!
If you are in bad company and desire to break it off, limit your exposure to that company and submit yourself to positive influence of God’s instructions for your life. Seek friends who wants God’s best for your life and who provides positive encouragement on your journey of faith. Remember, we are easily corruptible creatures. With God’s help, do all you can to remain pure.
Dear Father, thank You for Your friendship and help on our journey of faith. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
