Reading: I Corinthians 16-17
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame(I Cor. 15:33-34).
As Christians, we are not called to lead sheltered, secluded lives. If we are to spread the gospel of Christ to those who desperately need to hear it, we will have to interact with the world around us. Jesus Himself set the example we are to follow. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Matt. 9:10-13). At the same time, we are warned to stay alert to the worldly temptations we will encounter. Even as we stand as a beacon for Christ (Matt. 5:16), we must take care not to draw our strength or inspiration from the world surrounding us. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness (II Cor. 6:14)?
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Paul’s warning against the influence of the worldly is even more relevant today than it was during the time of the early church. With the advent of smartphones, social media, and 24/7 connectivity, the pressure to compromise our values and conform to societal norms has never been greater. The danger increases when we also surround ourselves with non-believing friends. The more time we spend in their company, the more we will relax and let down our guard; the more we let down our guard, the more vulnerable we will become to subtle influences.
There is a way to both fulfill our mission as witnesses for Christ and protect ourselves from undue influence. First, we must follow the example of Christ and regularly make time to seek direct support and guidance from God. And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God (Luke 6:12). The more time we spend in prayer and prayerful contemplation of His Word, the easier it will be for us to discern His will in all things. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rom. 12:2). Second, we must endeavor to build an earthly support system from individuals that share our love of Christ and our devotion to His Word. If we surround ourselves with people who love God with the same intensity we do, we will have nothing to fear from letting our guard down in their presence. Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind(Phil. 2:2). Instead, our time together will strengthen our resolve and brighten the light that we then take out into the world.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching(Heb. 10:24-25).
Thought For Today:God’s word is not to be hoarded or guarded; only by spreading it can we find its meaning.
Word Studies:14:10 signification = meaning; 14:11 barbarian = foreigner; 14:20 in malice be ye children = in doing evil, be as harmless as a baby; 14:27 by course = in turn; 15:9 meet = worthy, fit; 15:20 slept = have died; 15:33 evil communications corrupt good manners = evil companions or associations ruin or defile good character.
Cross References:For I Cor. 14:21: See Is. 28:11-12. I Cor. 15:3- 4: See Hos. 6:2. I Cor. 15:25: See Ps. 110:1. I Cor. 15:27: See Ps. 8:6. I Cor. 15:32: See Is. 22:13. I Cor. 15:45: See Gen. 2:7. I Cor. 15:54: See Is. 25:8. I Cor. 15:55: See Hos. 13:14.
Pray For Staff:Jennifer Palafox • Government Officials: Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ) • Country: Jamaica (2,930,050) Caribbean • Major Languages: English, English Patois • Religious Freedom • 62.5% Protestant; 2.6% Roman Catholic; 14.2% Other/Unspecified; 20.9% None • Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake your sins that you may receive mercy (Prov. 28:13).