“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts…”

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Wrong associations can corrupt good manners. The people you associate with on a regular basis will have an impact on your life—one way or another. Not all people who sound religious are really godly. Jesus said “they refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but they still won’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven.”…..He also said, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on a solid rock. Though the rains come in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against the house, it won’t collapse, because it is built on a rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash.” After Jesus finished speaking, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught as one who had real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law. (See Matthew 7:21-28).

It is impossible to live a life that is untouched by other people. Wrong attitudes, opinions, and unbelief through negative speaking can reshape our perspective and influence our decisions if we don’t choose to renew our minds on a daily basis. That is why it is imperative to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit—not mankind—and to have a personal, intimate relationship with the Lord through spending time in His Word, and with other believers. It’s a daily choice. 

It’s totally awesome when one godly person’s life sharpens another, but it can be a disaster in the making when negative influence sways better judgment. Being lured in by the temptation of negative opinions, and the world’s system doesn’t really show up too much in the beginning—but surely does with hindsight. It also has the power to harden the heart over time. 

When people who call themselves believers or Christians surrender to sinful lifestyles, it dulls the ability to discern right and wrong (1 Tim. 4:1-2), and can easily draw others along as well. Believe it or not, some of the biggest potential enemies to spiritual growth that Paul experienced were not those outside the faith who were involved in blatant sin, but rather those inside the church community. 

Negative influence isn’t always obvious. We will never improve on the Master’s plan—staying on the “ancient path”….and following Jesus Himself is always BEST. We will never improve on anything by imitating man. We are warned to be on the lookout for wolves in sheep’s clothing—those who appear “spiritual” on the outside, but lead God’s people astray (2 Thess. 2:3; 2 Peter 3:17; 1 John 4:1).

Negative influence might go something like this: “Come on, everybody is doing it.” “You are over the top with this relationship with Jesus stuff.” “You can skip college class today…no one will miss you.” Or, when a friend says: “Don’t you think your husband is too tight with money?” Or, “The world says it’s okay, so it has to be okay with God.” WRONG! 

The desire for man’s approval, rebellion, and the pleasure of sin are traps of the enemy. Don’t ignore warnings from the Lord…no matter how they come. Surround yourself with people who are positive influences, and limit time with negative people. Being around positive people who follow God’s Word will also bring protection. 

Take time for prayer. The surrendered person has a relationship with God where he or she can hear what the Lord is saying. Through prayer, we submit ourselves to God, and allow our hearts, minds, and wills to be influenced by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

The question to ask is this: “Is this relationship drawing me closer to Jesus and the Cross?” Stick close to people who run everything by God and His Word. It may save you from disaster.

And…remember this….the very person who irritates you may be the very one God has sent to you to bring you to a place of victory in some area.  If your heart is tender, you will be drawn to God’s truth and want to grow. If your heart is hardening and wounded, you will be annoyed, aggravated, and want to distance yourself from people who love the Lord and His Word. 

Focus on God’s truth…it will transform your thinking (Romans 12:2). The Word protects our minds against the lies and deception of sin. Submit to God through His Word and prayer. Joshua 1:8 commands us, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” 

God loves you! He has a great plan for your life….Apart from our relationship with the LORD, all religious practices are empty. Let’s pray together: “Father, in the name of Jesus, keep me close and obedient, real and authentic, as I live my Christian life. 

Take time to pray Psalm 129:4, Psalm 103:20, Isaiah 49:25, Isaiah 55:11, and Isaiah 54:17. 

God bless you!

Deborah Starczewski

Books by Dr. Deborah Starczewski

GOD’S PRICELESS TREASURE (How To Overcome Challenges, Be Transformed, And Know Your Purpose)….. move from drama to destiny, pain to purpose, a mess to a message, and trials to triumph through CHRIST. 

 A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days At The Mercy Seat)….the full account of the miraculous intervention by God in the life of my husband—raised from death, two open heart surgeries, and healing from two strokes. This book reveals the power of hearing, listening and obeying God…and the importance of other believers in our lives. 

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (Will America Turn Back To God?)… a must read for all. A great family devotional and makes a great gift for friends, family, and any occasion. 

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Xulon, www.starministriesinc.com and other distributors.

*Contact Deborah for ministry and speaking engagements at www.starministriesinc.com