Bad Company Corrupts Good Character

TODAY’S READING: Psalm 149; 1 Corinthians 15; 1 Corinthians 16

SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:33-34

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’  Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.”

OBSERVATION:

I am reminded that people are usually pretty good people to start.  We’ve all heard stories of good kids who go bad - it’s a shock and surprise to all who know them.  We’ve seen generally good people end up bitter and angry.  I understand that we are all born with a sin nature - we are bent toward sin.  However, this transition from generally good with a sin nature, to generally corrupt in character and given to sin is a process.

I guess what I read here is that you give yourself to sin by giving yourself to an influence.  The road to a corrupt character is relationship.  I believe that the opposite has to be true as well - just our sin nature can be nurtured into a corrupted character, so our spirit that identifies with Jesus be nurtured into a righteous character thru relationships.

APPLICATION:

I guess that the best application of this truth would be to wise up and hang around with people who love and live Jesus.

PRAYER:

Father, thank you that you have surrounded my life with so many who love and live for you.  People who love me enough to encourage me in my faith and in righteous as a Christ-follower, a husband, a dad, a friend, and a citizen.  Work righteousness in me thru your influence in my life.  Help me to be a man of character thru as I open myself up to your influence in my life thru prayer, scripture, fellowship, and service.  In Jesus name - AMEN!