Do not be deceived: bad company corrupts good morals.

1 Corinthians 15:33

I am blessed to be the father of four daughters. One of the many things my daughters can recite from memory is my homespun admonitions. I call them my own paraphrases of biblical encouragement. One such paraphrase my children heard often during their teenage years was this: “When you run with dogs you get fleas.”

Life involves many choices including with whom we choose to associate. The Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians that hanging out with immoral people would result in their lives reflecting immoral behavior.

Sometimes, Christians think that they can dabble in whatever they desire without consequence. Thinking like that can result in falling into all kinds of trials, tribulation, and ultimately sin.

It is far better to make sure you keep your circle of friends small and exclusive – exclusive to those who are godly encouragers and modeling Christ-like behavior so that their influence on you will lead to your encouragement to live holy and righteously before God.