Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. 1 Corinthians 15:33-34b NLT
The apostle Paul loved the friends in the church in Corinth he had planted. It was growing in the midst of a very wild and ungodly culture. He quoted in his letter to them a few popular mantras and common rationales for living that were clearly foolish and detrimental, then said, “Don’t be fooled by those who say such things …” That’s the first wisdom we should receive. Sometimes we casually toss off the way a person talks and the things they say. “Oh, she doesn’t mean it. He’s not really that way – he’s just spewing.”
That’s an unrealistic and unwise take on the person who regularly speaks unhelpful and ungodly perspectives. Jesus underscored several times the fact that what we say originates in our hearts; our spirits. If you are going to live effectively in a negative, cynical, and unredemptive world, you will need to monitor the input you get, even from people you love. Casual words and perceptions slowly desensitize us to what is true and significant. Paul doesn’t tell us not to be fooled by such things – he tells us not to be fooled by the people who say such things. He’s not recommending that we be unkind or rude, but that we carefully choose our company.
Why should we choose well? Because bad company corrupts good character. It’s slow and subtle, actually insidious. Like one spoiled potato in the bottom of my potato bin can gradually spoil all the potatoes touching it, one person who is not thinking, living, loving, and speaking like Jesus can slowly change those around them. This does not mean that we pull away from those who don’t know Jesus, and we don’t share faith and love – it means that if we cannot be the influencers instead of the influenced, our time with them must be managed carefully. The dictionary says to “keep company” with someone means that you spend time habitually with them. Make sure that the ones who get your prime priority time regularly, be those who lift you and help you become more like Jesus.
Paul also says to be deliberate and intentional. Don’t live life haphazardly, but think carefully about what is right and best, then choose carefully. Your companions, your words, your actions, the use of your time – they all deserve to be considered. When we responsibly take the time to think about who we will be with, what will honor God, and what will help others, we keep ourselves from wandering into sin and regret. Our character is one of the most valuable resources we have in life. We protect it when we choose to build our lives with those who strengthen it, not those who treat it casually.
- Do I have any “bad company” in my life, casually corrupting me? Am I bad company for anyone? God, help me think honestly and carefully, then obey.