1 Corinthians 15:33

New International Version (NIV)

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

For Meditation

1. Have you observed the extent of unintended damage to property and fatalities among civilians during military campaigns? Isn’t it simply due to their proximity to the military targets?
2. In similar ways, can you imagine the number of lives that have been ruined by the poor choice of friends, and even of spouses? He was young, strong, and innocent with a bright future; but what happened to him after joining that group? What happened to her after marrying that lowlife?
3. Who wakes up in the morning to become a suicide bomber until they are radicalized in a seemingly safe place of worship or through casual friendship? What poor innocent young girl leaves her home for the city to pursue a career in prostitution? But do you see how many are enticed by the bad companies they fall into?
4. So, do you see Paul’s point in today’s scripture reading (1 Cor. 15:33)? With the poisonous argument against the resurrection gaining grounds in the Corinthian church, what better time was there for the Apostle to the Gentiles than to build a strong counter argument against its tide? Isn’t the resurrection of Christ the basis of our Christian faith and hope? What then is left for the believer – but to join the revelry – if there is no certainty of life after death (32)?
5. Why then would any serious Christian want to associate with those who espouse such hellish lie? Why would any child of God keep the company of those who trash the Christian doctrine and expect no collateral damage to their faith and character?

I pray we do not allow ourselves to be misled to think that we are safe to, “walk in the company of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers” (Ps. 1:1); for that would be the deception of the century – the reason the world is what it is today. As Solomon said, “Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned” (Prov. 6:27)?

So: May we be wise in our choice of friends and the company we keep, ensuring their theology and doctrinal positions; and may we be assured of the certainty of our hope in Christ, because He rose from the dead and is seated on the right hand of God in Majesty and soon to come.

Shalom