“Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33 (AMPC)
Beloved, did you know that the company you keep always determines what accompanies you? The people around you inevitably influence you, either positively or negatively. If you surround yourself with wise people, you will certainly walk in wisdom. Conversely, if your company is unwise, you will walk in foolishness. If the people you associate with are thieves or immoral, it will not take long before you become exactly like them.
Therefore, it is vital to be mindful of the company you keep, as bad associations have far more terrible consequences than meet the eye. Sometimes, people ignore this reality, claiming they will eventually change their friends. However, the chances of doing so are often slim. The influence of bad company is not just physical but spiritual. It can catch you unaware, and before you realize what is happening, you are already deeply entangled.
The Bible tells the story of a man named Jonah. One day, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me. … But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” — Jonah 1:2-3 (NKJV). In a bid to escape from God, Jonah went down to Joppa and boarded a ship heading to Tarshish. However, once he was on board, the Lord sent a great wind, creating a mighty tempest that threatened to break the ship apart.
The mariners who had accepted Jonah onto the ship grew terrified. They cried out to their gods, unaware that Jonah—a man running from God—was the hidden cause of their life-threatening storm. When they finally discovered the truth, they threw Jonah overboard, and the sea immediately calmed down (see Jonah 1:4-16). If they had not identified the problem in time, they might have all perished because of one man’s disobedience.
This story illustrates the severe risks involved in keeping the wrong company. You must be careful about how you live and mindful of the people with whom you mingle. Choose your friends using the standard of God’s Word so that you do not become a casualty in life. Many people have lost their lives simply because they associated with the wrong crowd. As the Bible warns, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” — Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV).
Today’s Rhema
Choose your friends using the standard of God’s Word!
Prayer
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the wisdom You have communicated to me today. I declare that I will live every day of my life putting this wisdom to work. I will choose my friends carefully, and by Your grace, I will not fall into the wrong company, in the name of Jesus. Amen!
