“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
Long before mama told you not to hang around with “that kids down the street” Saint Paul told us to be careful of the company we keep. Both mama and Saint Paul knew that we can be influenced by the people in of our lives.
It is harder today, more than ever, to avoid the corrupting influences of the world. Social media, on-demand entertainment, and the ubiquitous television, have all become the “kids down the street” whom we welcome into our lives. Should we avoid these things or should we avoid people who do not align with our faith and the Word of God. Not necessarily so. If the Apostles had avoided “the kids down the street” who would have ever hard the message of salvation? Come to think of it, each Apostles were “the kids down the street,” depending on who you asked.
What we are called to do is be discerning in what we take in and with whom we associate and why we are associating with them. Are we affecting them or are the affecting us?
Test all things by the Word of God, and pray for his protection. Be as wise as serpents, yet gentle as doves.
Prayer: Lord God, by faith I am a citizen of your heavenly kingdom, of which I have a foretaste in this world. Yet, as I live and breath, I am a citizen of this earthly kingdom with all its dangers and temptations. Protect me. Give me wisdom to discern your will. Give me faith to follow your word, so that I might never become corrupted but follow you always. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.