"Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits." -1 Corinthians 15:33
If this verse were read more literally it would read something like this; "Do not be led astray: wicked companionship or communications waste and destroy useful character habits." This should be common sense but many, for one reason or another compromise and neglect this truth. It is of no surprise to later find them picking up the same bad habits and characteristics as those whom they held close company with. This verse was specifically addressed to a church who was embracing the teachings of false teachers who denied a future resurrection and the philosophy of hedonistic culture. The Corinthians were being affected by these false teaching and their growth was stunted because of it. Be careful who you hang out with, who and what you let into our homes and around our children. Always seek to be the influencer instead of the influenced when it comes to your coworkers, family members, and the lost. It has become commonplace for believers to marry unbelievers in hopes that they'll later change as well. Bad company or "communications" doesn't have to be a person we interact with but a book we read, a show we watch or the music we listen to. These are all forms of communications that influence our mind and way of thinking. Pornography is an extreme example yet very relevant; every time you allow that "evil" into your mind you train your brain to find satisfaction at the click of a button with as many women/men as you want. This then "corrupts" and "destroys" "good habits" in marriage. Remember you are who you hang out with. Who are you hanging with? Is it Jesus? What book are you reading--is it His word?
- HOW DO OTHERS INFLUENCE YOU? HOW DO YOU INFLUENCE OTHERS?