Warning against Bad Company
2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus gives us a new citizenship which is of righteousness and holiness, by this we also have new family and association... Our believe in Christ will not just affect our life and soul, but also must reflect on those we keep as friends and associates.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Our new believe in Christ should be able to shake off every old habit of sin, wicked and evil friends, associations that do not glorify and honour God. This is because their evil character and behaviour is contagious to our righteous relationship with Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
There is Deception in the heart of many on the fact that one can keep company with those who does wickedly and yet not be influenced by thier wickedness. But apostle paul teaches that keeping a bad company will soon or later defile the life of a righteous, so the need to stay clear from any association that is rooted in evil and wickedness.
Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
The appeal of the sinner is first to one's desire to be part of the crowd. Our desire to be accepted by others often leads us to Join with those who seek only evil. One of the first indications of a wise person is his confidence in himself to make judgment concerning right and wrong, before he consider them his companions. One should never allow evil doors to define who we are in life, this will guard our heart form being drawn away from God.
Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
One's wisdom is determined by the kinds of friend he makes. Wise people gather around themselves those from whom they can source knowledge. Fools gather around themselves those whom they can exercise control. In the end, the friends of the fool will lead him to destruction. A fool is one who associates with those who does wickedly, but the wise is one who keeps company with the righteous.
Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
It is blessing and joy for anyone who does not have a lifestyle of sin, happiness comes from doing the will of the Lord. The righteous are defined by their desire to seek the law of God. Their sturdy of and meditation in the word of God identifies them as the people of God. They do not simply read, but think and act on the things they have studied.
Joy abounds with those who keep company with the righteous but those who walk with the wicked will end up in destruction.
What kind of company are you keeping?, what kind of association are you waking with?, if you fail to detach yourself from bad company, it will destroy your life without remedy.
You may not be evil, but those you keep as friends and associates who are evil can destroy your righteous image and lured you into becoming evil.
Be watchful and vigilant. Check your friend's list, don't be afraid to disassociate from those who do not value the commands and laws of God in your life. It is to safeguard your place in God.
God bless you...
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the gift of life in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, help me to keep company with the right people in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, give me the grace to be spiritually conscious at all time in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name.