What practical steps can you take to avoid "bad company"? Setting the Foundation: The Urgency of Avoiding Harmful Influences “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33) Paul’s warning is straightforward and literal. The people we allow closest to us will shape our thoughts, habits, and ultimately our walk with Christ. Recognize the Power of Influence • Scripture never treats influence lightly. “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20) • The heart is easily swayed: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) • Influence can either propel us toward holiness or drag us into compromise. Practical Steps to Guard Your Company • Examine every relationship by the Word – Compare attitudes, speech, and conduct to “test all things” and “hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). • Choose companions who strengthen faith, not weaken it – “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) – Look for friends who speak truth even when it stings (Proverbs 27:6). • Establish clear boundaries with unbelieving or compromising acquaintances – “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” (2 Corinthians 6:14) – Limit settings where temptation is strong; decline invitations that conflict with godliness. • Prioritize fellowship with the church – “Let us not neglect meeting together… but let us encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:25) – Regular worship, small groups, and service teams surround you with Christ-centered accountability. • Guard digital and media company – Algorithms can become companions. Apply the same scrutiny to online influences, entertainment, and social feeds. • Commit relationships to the Lord in ongoing prayer and Scripture saturation – Staying in the Word (Psalm 1:1) sharpens discernment; praying for friends keeps motives pure. • When necessary, disengage lovingly but firmly – If a professing believer lives in unrepentant sin, Scripture commands distance (1 Corinthians 5:11). – Maintain a gentle spirit, but do not compromise purity (Galatians 6:1). When Disengagement Becomes Necessary • Be honest: explain why certain activities or conversations no longer fit your commitment to Christ. • Offer hope: invite the person to pursue righteousness with you. • Move forward: trust God to provide new, edifying relationships. Living Out Good Character in Community Bad company corrupts, but godly company cultivates. Surround yourself with believers who love Jesus, stay alert to subtle corrupting influences, and let your relationships reflect the holy character Christ is forming in you. |
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