In 1 Corinthians 15:33, we read: “So stop fooling yourselves! Evil companions will corrupt good morals and character” (TPT). Simply put — ”Bad company ruins good manners” (MSG). Now if I ask you if you have evil companions, you will probably respond with a denial. It’s not easy for us to look at our friendships and notice evil. These are our friends. We do life with them. We are connected. We have similar interests, similar friend groups, etc. When you hear the term “Bad Company,” we may think of the classic rock band. We are not quick to see the bad in our friends.
This is where the Holy Spirit helps to open our eyes. He can show us when someone is taking us down the wrong path. We do not usually see it coming. We love our friends. We accept them, flaws and all. When we are in the presence of bad company, we turn a blind eye to shortcomings or we make excuses. Many times, we have invested a lot of years with our friends so this is all we know. We do not realize the corruption that is happening because it doesn’t happen with flashing neon lights all at once. Rather, the process is gradual, as we slowly accept little bits of compromise. What once was unacceptable suddenly is no longer as bad. Before you know it, the you that once was, that you is no longer. You become unrecognizable. But again, it didn’t happen over night. It was a slow paced journey that you didn’t see happening. As you look back, you cannot help but wonder how you got there.
It is important that we have strong, encouraging, God-fearing, Sprit-led, compassionate friends who share our values and help us to be who God created us to be in life. Our friends are the family we choose. God uses people to help you to be the masterpiece of His design. Draw near to Him so that you may be led to these friends with whom to do life. If the Spirit reveals to you some friendships that are detrimental to your walk with Christ, follow His lead to ensure you stay on the narrow path. May we enjoy the gift of good company — the gift of good friends.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of friendship. Lord, help us to be mindful of our friendships. May we be intentional as we build positive relationships. Lord, if we have any bad company in our midst, please open our eyes and guide our tongues. Thank You for the gift of companionship. You are our most important companion. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Tania Gutekunst 