The photo on the front of the bulletin this week of Novel Brown hanging out with Gorman Ericksen made me think of this oft-said and oft-needed advice in the church: “Be careful the company you keep!” (Ok, that was a joke at my good friend Gorman’s expense, but it is a truth we all need!) Think about it!
The company you keep says a lot about you! We tend, with few exceptions, to choose and socialize with companions who resemble us—our likes, our dislikes, our values, our moral principles, etc. So, take a look at the people with whom you keep company. They probably think like you, speak like you and act like you—could prove to be a good mirror!
The company you keep says things about you, which may not even be true! Think about the company keep. You may think you’re different. You may not believe you resemble them. However, even if you feel that you do not think like them, speak like them or act like them, any outsider who sees you with them will conclude otherwise. Your mere association will say things about you.
The company you keep influences you more than you know or will admit! How many children of God have chosen to closely affiliate themselves with negative influences and ungodly companions, all the while presuming that they themselves have not been affected? 1 Corinthians 15:33 is such a key verse. Some readers may dismiss it as a “verse that does not really apply to me” or a “verse that is overused,” but the truth and the warning of the verse stand firm—“Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.” You will begin to think like them, speak like them and act like them!
The company you keep influences others! If the Christian light is frequently being found in dark places, what does that say to those who are in the dark places? “We don’t need to change! If he’s here with us all the time, we’re ok!” If the Christian light is frequently being found in dark places, what does that say to those who are in the light? “It is good not to…do anything by which your brother stumbles” (Rom. 14:21). It can cause them to sin, hence it is a personal “sin against Christ” (1 Cor. 8:11-12).
The company you keep on earth will heavily impact the company you keep in eternity! Who are you hanging out with on this earth? Are they the ones you want to hang out with in eternity? If you enjoy being with the ungodly while on earth, how will that change (or will it) in eternity? If you prefer and prioritize being with the godly while on earth, how is that going to impact your eternity? What company do you keep?