Chapter 57: Bad Company Corrupts Good Character

Hey;

Welcome back to the Blog of Josh! Ha! I should be welcoming myself back I guess, it's been a while. I've promised you all that even though I work full time now, I would still keep up with the whole blogging thing and thus fulfilling my promise as of right now. But yeah, I promise that there will be more to come throughout the summer as well.
So, for sure everyone will ask about THIS (posts) Title.... 'Bad Company Corrupts Good Character'! I think it's quite good actually. It's a verse that I came across as I was doing my devotion for today. Well, to be totally honest, I never 'came across it' - I 'looked' for it for a reason. Here's the story:

I got off work last night around 9(ish). As I was walking home, I was stopped by someone who asked me the simple question 'should a Christian hang around with non-Christians?'. Playing it smart I never shot an answer out right quick. Instead I took the advise Mr. Chipp always gave me 'A still tongue makes a wise head'. I gave it a shot - being 'still' that is, thought, and then gave back my answer.

I'm not gonna come right out and say my answer on here, but I will back my answer up with biblical scripture, thus giving you a clear perspective of what I think the answer (to the question asked) is.

If we look at the book of Proverbs (Chapter 12:26) ' A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray' - it clearly shows that a 'righteous' person is cautious in friendships and it clearly states that 'the ways of the wicked leads them astray'. Now don't think I am saying that all 'non-Christians' are 'wicked' -cause I'm not. So again, if we look at that - and apply that 'everything affects us' and my personal favorite 'our atmosphere affects our attitude' if we are 'around' the 'wicked' (aka: non-Christians) then we WILL (not maybe, or 'for some' -WILL) effect us. If we (as Christians) are putting ourselves in an atmosphere of wickedness, then to the obviously degree... Our ways will become wicked.

Secondly, Proverbs 13:20 'He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm' - you can easily piece this together yourselves. If you want to be wise stick with the wise. If you want to be a fool, stick with the fools.

Thirdly, Proverbs 14:7 'Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips'
Clearly it states that we are to 'stay away' from a foolish man. Again, another obvious meaning.

Proverbs 24:21 'Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious'
Again, God is being VERY clear on his intentions for us. 'DO NOT JOIN' with the rebellious. As Christians, God don't want us to let our friends be totally the opposite of what and who we are. 'How can light live with darkness'? 'How can goodness partner with evil'? It CAN'T!

2 Corinthians 6:14 'Don't team up with those who are unbelievers'. God is again, clearly telling us what to do.

1 Corinthians 15:33 'Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

Inclosing, God is clear, His word is clear and His intentions are clear. I'm not saying that we should not be friends with unbelievers but rather our SOLE purpose for becoming friends with them should be to win them over for Christ by letting out Christ like attitudes shine through and every opportunity that you (and I) get we should witness about Christ to them.

Again, God is clear through His word.

To the person who asked me this question, if you ever read this post - I hope I helped solve your answer. I have used strict biblical support and have done my research.
To other readers, both Christian and non-Christians, I hope I helped you in some way. I pray that God will be convicting on your souls and that we would just grow together in Christ like He ask us too.

Peace
Prayers
~Josh

*Scriptures taken from Bible Gateway*