There was a farmer who was constantly troubled by crows in his fields. After trying various solutions he finally decided to use his gun to scare them off. While the crows were eating in one of his grain fields, he shot his gun into their midst. All of the birds except one flew away. When the farmer went out into the field to pick up the bird that remained he found it was his pet parrot that had escaped from its cage and joined the crows. As he picked up the parrot he said, “Oh, Polly, this is the result of keeping bad company.” Carrying the parrot inside his coat, he met his daughter who asked, “Did you shoot any crows, Daddy? “I’ve shot Polly,” was his reply. “Oh Daddy, how did you do that?” The parrot stuck her head out from under his coat and said, “Bad company, bad company!”
On what have we sought to establish our character? What are we allowing to influence our character?
Paul admonished. . .
“(33) Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV)
The New King James Version reads. . .
“(33) Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’”
We need to be very mindful of the impact of our choice of close associations. The influences that impact our life can be very subtle. We may find we are not as strong as we thought. We must therefore be mindful of where we are spending the greatest amount of our time. Though there is the need to reach out to those in the world, we also need to be sure we spend plenty of time around those from whom we can gain proper direction and encouragement. We need to spend time where we will be influenced by godliness.
Over the next few days, join with me in meditating on a focus of character from the five verses of the fifteenth Psalm. May such character be duly established in us!
Have a great day STRENGTHENED BY GODLY INFLUENCES!
Carl
