So what's wrong if all
the people I hang out with party, drink, curse, and make out
all the time? I don't, so it shouldn't matter what my friends
do, right?! Not exactly, according to Paul's letter to the
Corinthians. Paul reminds us that as Christians, we are to
be careful of the company we keep. Our good character can
be corrupted. This is especially true of young Christians,
with a lot of pressure to "fit in." Come to think
of it, that applies throughout life, whether it's high school,
college, or the work place, we will always struggle with that.
So what are we to do? I believe God calls us to be careful,
and to use good judgment about with whom we spend our time.
Satan will attack us in any weak spot. If we have one in dealing
with peer pressure, don't think for a minute that he won't
push that button, over and over again. If your friends drink
and party, and talk lustfully about members of the opposite
sex, and cheat on school work, then find new friends. I'm
not saying totally disassociate yourself from those kinds
of people, we are also called to minister to them. Ministering
by your actions can be very successful. Find people in your
life that will help you get closer to Christ, and build you
in your walk. You might be surprised that some of your friends
will want to know what the difference is for you. As we all
know, that difference is Christ!
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