We have a new puppy and in his youthful exuberance he is still learning so much.  One of the things he is still learning is how to go on a walk. Sure, he knows how to run around, chase butterflies, and tug on his leash but we want him to learn to walk in submission next to his master.

We tried to take him on some walks with one of our other dogs but that dog, though much older still has plenty of learning of his own to do.  He charges toward other dogs, tugs on his leash constantly and in general acts a fool.  We finally decided we better keep them separated for the time being so the younger pup doesn’t pick up the bad habits of the older one.  I think that is exactly the idea the Lord is trying to convey to us in 1 Corinthians 15:33 where He has Paul remind us, “Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals.”

Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to remember that Christ had died for their sins and they should do their best to live a life that would bring honor and glory to Him.  Who we hang out with impacts our ability to do just that.  The influence of others can cause us to have negative thought patterns and can lead us to engage in unhealthy behaviors.  They can cause us to exercise our flesh rather than our faith and before you know it we are tugging against the leash, leaving our Master’s side, acting aggressively toward those who do not deserve it and spoiling a perfectly pleasant walk.  Having tugged at the leash myself several times in my life, I can testify that it is true.  Bad company can and will corrupt good morals.  We are better off walking without certain people because the walk is so much sweeter and so much more pleasant when we walk in submission next to our Master.

Until next time, stay strong in the faith.