What You Can Catch
Have you ever thought about what or who influences you? Some influences are temporary, such as an atmosphere created by music, an excitement of a crowd or even a traumatic experience. They can affect one’s moods, actions or thoughts for a time, but to be influenced or impacted on a permanent basis, in which your character or behavior changes, it requires a connection with someone. Connecting is the ability to identify or relate with a person to the degree that who they are becomes who you are.
The Bible warns us about who we fellowship with, or rather, who we connect with. In I Corinthians 15:33, Paul writes: “Bad company ruins good morals.” “Company” is also translated as communication; in which there is a sharing of one’s life. In other words, if you hang around immoral people you will become immoral. If your close friends are unbelievers, you will also be influenced by their doubts and unbelief. You may not agree with me and say that you are in their lives to influence them for the good, but let me remind you, a person catches sickness not health.
Our connection is to be with God. When we relate intimately with Him, we are being transformed into His image. It is then that our influence on others can lead them to Christ. For unbelievers to share in the life you have, they must connect with Jesus, not you. In doing so, there is a transformation of their nature, which results in a special, spiritual connection with you and with all who have been born again.
Don’t be deceived into thinking that you are immune to the world’s influence on your life. It is easier to go down than up. The change caused by ungodly friendships is gradual that is why it is called deception. So many have become what they had so often condemned because they did not select their friends well. To maintain a healthy walk with God you must work at it each day by fellowshipping with believers, meditating on His Word and communing with God in prayer.
Scriptures to meditate on:
I Cor. 15;33; II Cor. 6:14-18; Rom. 8:29; 12:1-2; I John 1:6-7