“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
This verse is a stark warning to every believer in Jesus. It sits in the middle of a long chapter responding to some in the church who had begun to doubt the most fundamental tenet of Christianity – the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead that opened the way for all believers to rise to new eternal life in Christ. This verse emphasizes the truth that believers must carefully guard our minds and hearts from the influence of anyone undermining our faith by their words, actions, or lifestyle.
This is a tricky thing to navigate… Followers of Jesus should be in the world, engaging with non-believers, loving and caring for them while sharing the Gospel with them. We must not lock ourselves away from the unbelieving world. However, we must remain rooted in Scripture and hold firmly to the teachings of Jesus. Believers must understand the unchanging faith that has been delivered once for all time without letting ignorance, questions, or doubts from skeptics, seekers, or new believers undermine that. As Paul emphasizes throughout this entire letter, as newcomers enter the church, we must not let the ways of the world enter with them. Christians should hold firmly to their faith, not letting the morals and mindset of the world change the beliefs of the church or undermine her holiness.
How are you guarding your faith and character in Christ? What is your defense against the relentless way in which the world chips away at your pursuit of Christ, imitation of Christ, and obedience to Christ? Are you sharing Christ with others and also protecting your faith and practice of it? Are you regularly fortifying your soul with Bible study, Scripture meditation, prayer, worship, and meaningful fellowship with other Christians? If not, mark Paul’s warning well! #FollowJesus