By“My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.” — Proverbs 1:10,19 NIV
We live in a world full of advertisements. Many things crave our attention: talking about television, social media, friends, education, etc. But above all, God has given each man the power of choice. And by that privilege, each person has the authority to choose what and who to give attention to, whether good or bad.
Sometimes, we neglect this reality, only to realise how bad we’ve used this privilege on multiple occasions. For example, a man not intentional about his association usually gets easily influenced by evil people to indulge in wicked acts. I’ve watched a television interview about people questioning prison inmates about how they ended up there. You’ll be surprised how many people got to prison just because of bad influence.
Proverbs 1:10-19 lays out a precise spiritual counsel on how intentional the people of God should be about neglecting bad influence. In verse 10, it says,
My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.
Proverbs 10:19 NIV
From this verse, a good man can be led astray from the path of God through bad influence. No wonder it’s written that bad company corrupts good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33).
The things of this world look flashy and enticing. But beyond their physical presentations are unprofitable effects that can spoil the sound doctrine a child of God has received in church, even since infancy.
Friend, you cannot put your life to chance. You’ve got to be intentional about the kind of people you surround yourself with. Pray that God will help you notice and stick to the people who’ll help you stir up your faith in Christ. Put a high value on every aspect of your life, and don’t live to chance. Watch your life closely. Flow with like-minded people in the faith.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer
Oh Jesus, remove every scale of blurriness when choosing like-minded believers as close friends to surround my life. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 161
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