PRAYER PROMPT ••• The company you keep matters.
1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “bad company corrupts good character.”
If one bad apple spoils a bunch, can our character fall to the same fate?
Yes.
As much as I want to believe that we can “fix” others, we simply can’t.
And a bad character can bring us down.
But shouldn’t we, as Christians, spend more time with those who aren’t?
Shouldn’t we hang out with them so we can tell them about the love of Christ?
Let’s leave those questions in the parking lot for a minute.
Think about someone you know who is a chronic complainer.
Do you feel good when you talk to them?
Or discouraged?
Do you find yourself joining in with your own complaints?
Now, think about someone who is a bubbly optimist.
Do you feel invigorated by the time you spend with them?
Do you feel encouraged, ready to see the positive in the next situation or share a smile with the next person you pass?
Proverbs 13:20 says, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
With all that said, let’s go get those earlier questions out of the parking lot.
Should Christians be friends with unbelievers?
2 Timothy 2:24-25 says, “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.”
I think yes.
But guarded.
Proverbs is full of admonition about who we should be friends with and Paul wrote of it extensively too, including the famous passage of marrying an unbeliever.
This wisdom is rooted in surrounding yourself with those who will keep you focused on God’s plan for your life and your relationship with Jesus strong – which is the most important relationship you have!
As long as the company you keep doesn’t prevent you from following God’s word, or watering it down, then be the Christian example others need to see.
Today, as you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you if you are in unhealthy relationships.
Ask Him to give you wisdom in how to handle the company you keep.
