Avoid Evil Communication (1)

1 Corinthians 15:33 NLT: Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”

While it is true that we are men born of the spirit, the reality remains that we live in a world where we will interact with several people, of different spheres and with different backgrounds.

Man was created for fellowship, fellowship with God, and fellowship with one another, and we see this every day. There is always some fellowship between ourselves and others. Sometimes it’s in friendship, marriage, the business sphere, work circle or the church. Overall, it reflects a basic truth — man is a relational being. Yet, these relationships can make or mar if we do not choose them wisely.

The first impact of the wrong company is quickly found in Genesis. Eve was deceived by the devil because she was with the wrong company at the wrong time (there’s no right time either to be in the wrong company). She was seduced by the craftiness of the devil. Paul describes the occurrence this way:

2 Corinthians 11:3;
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ

There is a kind of simplicity that we received by the gospel. The word used for simplicity speaks of sincerity and singleness of heart. The devil was after this, and both Adam and Eve fell for it.

The early mention of an occurrence such as this is quite instructive and sobering, too. Adam and Eve had all they needed to yield to God’s voice, but it all got destroyed by bad company — never treat your associations lightly. Particularly as a minister of the gospel, you cannot afford to be loose with your associations. There are those to avoid, those to mark and doctrines to avoid.

Your simplicity is your greatest asset. Cherish it, keep it and nurture it by the word. No one is immune in the presence of the wrong company.

Say this: I am careful with my association; I walk in God’s word always!

Daily Bible Reading Plan:
Bible Reading – Judges 10-11

TEACHING OF THE DAY
Let this mind be in you