Are You Keeping Bad Company?

General Faith
1

We read things like this?

“Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,” 2 Corinthians 6:17

We read things like this.

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:5-10

One more.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions, are not from the Father but from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

Why do we read things like this? Because we are keeping “bad company.” Especially when you first get saved. Before you get saved? Guess what? You were bad company. But not anymore. The problem is, they still are.

You and your childhood group of friends. Think about them. You all did the same things. The good, the bad, the ugly. Think about your close inner circle of friends you had before you got saved. You all did the same things. The good, the bad, the ugly. You know their secrets, and they know yours. You were all the same.

Herein lies the problem. You are no longer the same. The Word declares that once you are saved, you,

“have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” Colossians 3:10

Would anyone like to share how they may have had to move on after Salvation? Were some family? Your testimony may help someone going through it as we, uh, type.

Peter

2

Peter, it’s true…Salvation changes everything. We’re called to walk in the light, and sometimes that means stepping away from old ties that keep pulling us back into darkness. I’ve had to lovingly distance myself from certain relationships, not out of pride, but out of a desire to stay faithful.

3

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33

The Impact of Bad Company
As we move through life, we are often influenced by the people we keep close. It is important to recognize that our companions can greatly affect our thoughts and actions. The Bible warns us that associating with those who do not share our values can lead us away from our faith and moral compass. We should be vigilant with whom we surround ourselves, understanding that just as good company can uplift us, bad company can lead to corruption of our character. Let’s consider the significant influence our friends and community have on our spiritual walk. Let us choose our companions wisely because they can either strengthen or weaken our faith.

1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33

Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20

1 Corinthians 5:11
“But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.” – 1 Corinthians 5:11

Proverbs 28:7
“The one who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.” – Proverbs 28:7

James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” – James 4:4

Choosing Our Friends Wisely
Choosing friends is a crucial part of our lives. As we seek to maintain a strong faith in God, we are called to surround ourselves with individuals who encourage us in our walk with Him. Our friendships should inspire us to grow spiritually and help us to reflect God’s love and values. When we invest in relationships grounded in faith, we not only lift each other up but also create an environment that nurtures our relationship with God. Let’s commit to praying for discernment in our friendships so that we can choose those who will support our journey of faith.

Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.” – Proverbs 22:24-25

Psalms 1:1
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” – Psalms 1:1

Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” – Proverbs 12:26

Psalms 26:4-5
“I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.” – Psalms 26:4-5

2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14

The Fruit of Our Associations
The connections we form in our lives yield fruit—either good or bad. When we associate with individuals who embody God’s principles, we are often encouraged to live righteously and pursue a deeper relationship with our Creator. Conversely, when surrounded by negativity, temptation, and harmful behaviors, we may find ourselves drifting from our faith. We need to evaluate the fruit our friendships produce in our lives. By choosing friends with positive spiritual attributes, we can cultivate a nurturing environment that supports our faith and moral values.

I did exactly what the Scriptures commanded me to do, ditch bad company and move on eis Christ Jesus.

J.

1 Like
4

What’s the fine line, though, when it’s family? I have a family member who was a raging alcoholic for years. Now he’s free from alcohol, but smoking himself into an oblivion. Is it ok to pray from afar since I don’t want myself or my children around that constantly? Or would you consider that selfish that I’m not trying harder on a personal level?

5

Absolutely, you should pray for those whom you love the most. If they are open, try talking to them about it. If not, then show them there is a better way. Not through words, but actions. Sadly, most people see much more of what you do than hear what you say.

Perhaps it is the hardest when it is our earthly family. It was hard to hear Jesus make this statement.

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”

First, no. God is not telling you to “hate” your Mother and Father. There is a whole commandment that tells you that you need to honor them. No, He is not telling you to “hate” yourself and your life. Jesus said He came so that we may have life and have it more abundantly. So what is He saying? He is saying there is a cost.

We are told to seek first, or put God first, before any and everything, and He will be with us, love us, meet our daily needs, and bless us. Jesus says this.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name because they do not know him who sent me.” John 15:18-21

What Jesus is saying is this. There is a cost. We are not greater than Him. They hated Him. Why would they not hate us? And this is not all, either. It is not just the world, strangers, but loved ones and family.

“Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on, in one house, there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Luke 12:51-53

This is why He is saying that anyone who puts his family before God is not worthy to be His disciple. Once you accept Jesus, once you accept His sacrifice, you become a child of God and a member of a new family. The family of God. Because if your family rejects Jesus and rejects God and His Word, which you are now becoming part of and sharing, I hope you are sharing, they will reject and may even come to hate you.

If you do not separate yourself from people like this and join like-minded individuals, you may be vulnerable to falling away. That will do nothing to help them or yourself.

Peter

1 Like
6

I’ll push back @JennyLynne and ask plainly: what do the Scriptures say about this? I serve in an outreach ministry here in South Africa, putting Matthew 25.35–40 into action, and I’ve personally witnessed remarkable transformations, drunkards becoming pastors, broken lives restored, and souls awakened. This is hands-on ministry, sleeves rolled up, not comfortable or easy, because the kingdom of God calls for labor, sacrifice, and presence among the lost. Even in my own backyard, I have three men entrenched in drunkenness and constant fighting; do I keep my distance? No, I stay, I engage, I love them, because Scripture commands us to bear one another’s burdens and visit the least of these ~Galatians 6.2, ~Matthew 25.40, ~James 1.27.

I am honest: I have no quarrel with unbelievers, yet I cannot abide those who claim faith but act as if spirituality excuses inaction, boasting in God while producing no fruit for His kingdom. True faith, Scripture shows, manifests in mercy, in service, in walking humbly with God and tangibly loving our neighbors ~Micah 6.8, ~James 2.14–17, ~1 John 3.17–18. Words without deeds leave the world unchanged; the cross compels us to live differently.

I completely agree with @PeterC and fully endorse his biblical response to you.

Family Responsibilities
In our lives, we often face challenging situations concerning family dynamics. As believers, we understand from the Bible that while family holds a significant place in our hearts, our ultimate responsibility lies in following Christ. We may feel torn by the obligation to family while being called to prioritize our faith. Jesus indicates that our devotion to Him must surpass all other relationships. We are encouraged to explore the balance in our responsibilities and to remember that our first allegiance is to God. Additionally, maintaining respect and love for our family members is equally important as we navigate our spiritual journey. Let’s consider the verses that guide us in reaffirming our commitment to God while also honoring our family ties.

Matthew 10:37
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” – Matthew 10:37

Mark 3:35
“Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” – Mark 3:35

Luke 12:51
“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” – Luke 12:51

Matthew 19:29
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” – Matthew 19:29

Luke 9:60
“Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.'” – Luke 9:60

Truth and Faith
As we contemplate our faith in relation to family, we must remember that truth and faith in God often guide our decisions. We may face moments where speaking the truth could lead to tension within our families. Jesus taught us that standing with truth is vital—sometimes this truth may be misunderstood or even rejected. Our commitment to Christ can sometimes lead to difficult decisions, including the possibility of turning our backs on the falsehoods that can become ingrained within family dynamics. Thus, it’s essential to remain resolute in our faith, remembering that God’s truth comes first.

John 8:32
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32

2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14

Matthew 5:11
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” – Matthew 5:11

1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9

Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” – Romans 1:16

Forgiveness and Reconciliation
While turning our backs on family can be a tough choice, we are also called to forgive and strive towards reconciliation whenever possible. Our faith in Christ urges us to mend broken relationships and to respond with love even amidst conflict. By embracing forgiveness, we open the doors to healing. This does not mean we must accept harmful behavior. Yet, it does mean that we work towards restoring unity and compassion. It’s essential to acknowledge our own shortcomings and extend grace as we attempt to navigate the difficulties with our family members.

Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14

James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16

Prioritizing God’s Will
Part of turning our backs on family at times means that we are intentionally choosing to put God’s will above all else. We are shown that God has a plan for our lives that may require us to step away from family expectations or traditions. By seeking His will, we gain clarity about our purpose. Although family may not always support our choices, we can find peace in knowing that we are acting in line with God’s guidance for our lives. Understanding this priority helps strengthen our faith.

All good?

J.

7

Smoking is bad for you. Everyone knows that including your uncle. But I really don’t see it as a big deal. The Bible talks about gluttony and we tend to skip over that command quite a bit in the church. I doubt your children would be greatly influenced by an uncle who smokes. They are more likely to be influenced by their peer group; assuming they’re old enough to have one. And if it’s being around the smoke that bothers you, maybe he would refrain if asked. The important thing is whether your uncle is a Christian or not. I see this as an opportunity to speak into his life. Not about smoking, but about Jesus. In your actions and in your words, you can be a witness to him. I’m sure there’s a lot more to this than I know. Hope that helps.