Bad Company

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd March 24, 2020 - Filed in Devotional - 5,182 views
  Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the way of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers; But his delight is in Yahweh's law; On his law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper. Psalms 1:1 WEB
  
  Though it did not start out that way, or show itself immediately, we slowly became like them. First standing around talking, and then sitting and listening to cynical, bitter gossip at church. Before long, I felt just like they did, and I could begin to hear it in my speech. I am not sure why I did not see all this negativity before. How could I have missed it? It was very subtle and crept in like a poison. Finally we got a grip on it, moved away from that side of the church, and life was better.
  
  The walking, standing, sitting in this verse is progressive, a gradual slowing in the speed of your walk. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul wrote that 'Bad company corrupts good character.' While it is certainly relevant outside of the church, we found that it can be pretty bad inside the church as well. The fruit of the Spirit is: 'Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control' (Galatians 5:21'23). Some of that fruit was apparently missing in our lives, and the people we were sitting by.
  
  The company that you keep will affect your outlook on life. They can bring out the best in you, or the worst. They can inspire you, or depress you. Many people are happy where they are and will not want you to grow either. Do not hang out with bad company, for they will eventually bring you down to their level.
  
  Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You and pray that You give me the right friends. Please help me to be aware of my surroundings and bad influences in my life. I want to grow in Your likeness so please give me the grace and strength to make the right decisions, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
  
  Note: For those participating in the Creation Photographers weekly theme, here is this week's challenge: Good Morning, Creation Photographers, keeping you all in my prayers for peace and wellbeing to be yours each day! Thank you all for adding to our group fun with your posts and comments!!! How is everyone? Holding strong in faith, peace, and joy through any chaos that may be in our world today is my hope for y'all. Hebrews 11:3 "By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible." ~ 'Things that are Visible' or 'Makes Me Happy' will be our next fun theme! We all could use some feel good photos right about now, so show us some things that are visible to you right now or anything that makes you happy! Our themes are open wide for creative interpretation. We encourage you to post anything else that inspires you as well. My photos this week (in the group) reflect some recent backyard birding I was enjoying as birding always makes me happy. May you all experience unending faith as the angels do through uncertain times and beyond to the amazing blessings God has for us all! Here is the link: Creation Photographers
  
  
  

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