1 CORINTHIANS 15
27 For “Godhas put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. – 1 Corinthians 15:27-34
1 CORINTHIANS 15 BAD COMPANY RUINS PURITY
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
As we serve the Lord, we are called to a life of holiness
Our bodies belong to him; we out to live by his righteousness
We were set apart from unbelievers, let us be watchful
God’s Spirit helps us discern what is right from what’s sinful
Bad company ruins purity, abide in Christ so you’ll be holy
Be with the saints so you’ll grow, mature and serve God fully.
In this letter of Paul to the church in Corinth, he emphasizes the importance of choosing the people you associate with. It doesn’t mean that they discriminate against those who are not in Christ Jesus because all believers are charged with spreading the gospel to all those who do not know God. As Christians, we need to be constantly watchful of the unseen forces that wage war with us moment by moment aiming to devour us. In Ephesians 6:12, Paus also warned the church in Ephesus that a believer’s struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. 1 Peter 5:8 also warns all believers to be alert and be of sober mind for the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. The devil’s goal is to steal, kill and destroy especially those who are serving the Lord. It is a trophy for him to destroy those who belong to the camp of righteousness. So, as Christians, we must never keep our focus away from Jesus.
Paul points out that being in bad company can derail us from the sanctification process that the Holy Spirit is doing in our lives. Those who do not know God do not have this dilemma because they are not called to be holy. They live for their lusts and desires, but the believer lives for righteousness. There is an idiom that says “Birds of the same feathers flock together” which only goes to say that we gravitate to those whom we have shared values and characteristics with. This is why God set apart his people from the world so that the maturity of our faith will not be hindered.
REFLECTION
- Share some insights on how bad company can ruin your walk with the Lord.
