God says that evil company corrupts the good

There are people who have terrible habits that often lead to immoral lives and a depth of unhappiness that is hard to describe. Scripture explains in 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” It is not easy for you to believe that. Many tend to think that with their good habits they should be able to reach out to those with bad habits and help them. Jesus was criticized by the Jews for socializing with sinners, but you are not Jesus. While it is a good thing to help others, it is not a good idea to spend a lot of time with them. All tend not to believe that they will be changed for the worse by those they wish to help.

Some very sad lives have resulted from this flawed thinking, God says that evil company corrupts the good, not that the good should seek out and change the evil. It’s been proven that the youth can be easily ensnared by bad habits if they do not have guidance.

When a person has high standards of behavior, his or her success is almost guaranteed. It has long been the responsibility of parents, teachers, and churches to teach standards of behavior to the young. When the adult generation falters in this area, the young suffer.

This generation is facing a growing number of broken families and a great loss of the values that develop good habits. People avoid being “too religious” and the nation proclaims that America is not a Christian nation. The way of life, which at one time was emphasized in this land, is fading away. A few decades ago, school classes began with prayer. Churches and clergy were respected. Teachers were thought to be important. Family honor was a strong factor in the actions of the young. The thought of bringing shame to one’s family helped focus a person on the right path. Right and wrong were taught.

The world grows more corrupt each day. Many things have changed. You constantly read of corruption and graft and immorality among the leading businessmen and politicians these days. No one is so naïve as to think that evil did not exist before, but the degree of corruption has escalated. Good habits have given way to the satisfaction of the “needs” of the self. That mindset is what the Bible warns about for the last days, as people become “lovers of themselves” (2 Timothy 3:1-7 also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Self-gratification has become an imperative in the last decade or so. The days have become dangerous because the focus is on the self. “Lovers of pleasure” is a label that applies to far too many people. Scripture states that these “creep into households,” and one has the impression that evil seeps into a society, a home, or a personal life.

In this new century you can see how many values have been corrupted. Men and women “shack up” and accept dishonor rather than marrying with dignity, respect, and commitment. The feminist movement in its radical form has taken the position of the father in the home and blurred the roles of men and women. Adultery was considered shameful years ago, but now if a man or a woman leaves their spouse and runs off with another the world makes you believe; That’s ok just try it again.

Corruption often comes a little at a time. When not checked, it can soon change you and blur the good habits. Accepting lower standards can be the beginning of the slide. In driving, an accident or close call will sometimes be a wake-up call. In living, the results can be devastating but not so quickly evident. Take the Bible in your hands, study it and apply its teaching. Examine yourself in the light of the instruction God gives, and refresh the good habits that bring a long and happy life. Treasure good habits—they are worth keeping.