I am sure you've heard the phrase, "bad company corrupts good morals." Even the Bible strongly asserts this principle. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'"
For young Christians, the influence of company cannot be underestimated. The people we surround ourselves with can have a profound impact on every facet of our life. Bad company, in particular, poses a significant danger to young Christians as it can lead them astray from their faith and compromise their values. In this article, we will explore the reasons why bad company is extremely dangerous and the potential consequences it can have on an individual's life.
Bad Company Affects Your Worldview
Bad company has the power to alter and corrupt your worldview. When surrounded by friends who do not share or respect your faith, you may be influenced to adopt alternative belief systems or compromise your own. This can lead to confusion, doubt, and a weakened foundation in your relationship with God.
Bad Company Affects Your Behavior
In the presence of bad company, young Christians may be tempted to justify and engage in behaviors that go against their Christian values. Peer pressure, the desire for acceptance, and the fear of being seen as a "freak" or "Christians weardo" can push them to compromise their moral standards and engage in activities such as substance abuse, promiscuity, dishonesty, or unethical behavior.
Bad Company Affects Your Relationship with God
Continued involvement with bad company can strain your relationship with God. The influence of wrong friends can lead you away from attending church, participating in spiritual activities, or seeking guidance from your elders and spiritual mentors. This disconnection from faith community and neglect of spiritual practices can further distance you from God and hinder your spiritual development. After a while of such spiritual stagnancy, the result is death of your relationship with God. Bad company is no joke.
Bad Company Affects Your Academics and Career
Bad company can have a detrimental impact on your academic and career aspirations. Engaging in negative behaviors or associating with individuals who lack ambition can hinder your focus, discipline, and dedication to studies or professional goals. This can limit your potential for success and negatively affect your ability to make a positive impact on the world.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BAD COMPANY
1. Establish Boundaries
It is essential to establish and maintain healthy boundaries. This includes setting clear standards for the type of company you keep and the behaviors you engage in. By clearly defining your values and expectations, as a young Christian, you can confidently make choices that align with your faith. This could mean saying no to invitations to parties or events that conflict with your values.
2. Choose Your Friends Wisely
Befriend those who are grounded in the Word of God and those who can help you grow and evolve in life; not those who are interested in wasting precious time and other resources that God has given you. Cultivate friendships that are holistically beneficial for you.
3. Develop Discernment
Discernment is a spiritual muscle that you develop by constantly exercising it. Discernment enables you to distinguish between positive and negative influences, identify red flags, and make informed decisions about those you choose to befriend. Discernment involves critically evaluating the beliefs, behaviors, and values of those around you thereby empowering you to choose relationships that align with their faith.
4. Build a Strong Foundation
Building a strong foundation in faith is key to safeguarding yourself from the dangers of bad company. This involves nurturing your relationship with God through regular prayer, Bible study, and participation in church activities. A deep and solid foundation in your faith will empower you to resist negative influences and stand firm in your beliefs.
"Keeping bad company is like being in a germ-infested area. You never know what you’ll catch." Frank Sonnenberg