Corinthians 15:33 - Bad company corrupts good character.

1 Corinthians 15:33 - Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." I am a father of a great 13 year old daughter. I love her more than anything in this world and I happen to think that she is a great kid. She has a good heart, a sharp mind, and has great character for someone so young. As her father though, I know that she is still developing into who she is going to be and it is my job to make sure she is surrounded by people that can be a positive influence to her and will help her grow into the woman I know she can be. I do this because I understand that bad company corrupts good character. In today’s society, more than ever before, perception is reality. So it is more important than ever to watch who you associate with. You can go to church every Sunday all that you want, but what good is that doing if you are hanging out with those bent on doing wrong and living a sinful life the other 6 days of the week? Which is going to have more influence over you? The one hour a week you are at church or all the hours hanging with “bad company”? Sooner or later that negative influence will start to work its way in on you, regardless of how strong you think you are. Do not get me wrong, we are supposed to go out into the world and convert non-believers so we will be around those that are “bad company” from time to time. We just can’t allow them to change us and corrupt our character. In order to combat that you have to have a support system in place that you can turn to that will provide stability and keep you grounded in the faith. You have to understand that you can’t do it alone. If you lay down with dogs, you will get fleas. So surround yourself in His light and with those of the faith. Reach out to those that are in need and bring the light to them whenever you can, but guard the company that you keep. Do not be misled by bad company, let the Lord lead you instead.