You Become Your Environment
"Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" - 1 Corinthians 15:33
The last line of George Orwell's Animal Farm is a stunner, "The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which."
There are so many temptations we encounter as we strive to lead a life of integrity. One of the greatest influences we have for determining the way we live our lives is the group of people we choose to surround ourselves with. The fact is, we tend to become like the environment we live in.
As you spend time with people, you may adopt their styles, values, and their decision-making processes. If you associate with unethical people, you may find yourself progressively struggling with ethical decisions. If you surround yourself with men and women of Godly character, you will find the ethical path much easier to navigate. You probably know this and apply it to the people you befriend, but don't stop there. Join companies, workgroups, and social groups that are made up of people with integrity. And, if you own your own business, only hire people with solid character. Include your suppliers, your advertising agency, and your accounting firm on that list. Surround yourself with people of integrity and you will find it easier to follow the guidelines that God has set for us in His Word.
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6 Comments
Amen. I totally agree. After moving from NJ to FL and then to AR, I have found myself in that situation a lot, but thank the Lord he has protected me. - Adrian Rodriguez
I have allways been told by my elders "you are known by the company that you keep", and even with Law officials there is a situation known as "Guilt by association". We as Christians do need to be careful who we are around and who we become friends with. The scriptures even tell us to know them who labor among us, this way we can protect ourselves and our reputation and testimony. We do need to wittness to the ones who are of baser report but that does not mean that we take part in their wrong doings. There is a difference between going and wittnessing and just hanging out with people. Also the scriptures tell us "if you lend them your presence, you are bidding them Gods speed". Just be careful of the company we keep. God bless all and have a good day. - Jerry
Just last night, a family member, who is a Christian lied to me and disobeyed something she was asked not to do. I thank you for this devotion because I have to remember not to become that same person, becoming what my environment is around me. I am very hurt and dealing with anger and I know it is wrong and I have asked God for strength to overcome. And yes, I have forgiven her in my heart. This is typical of her and I shouldn't be bothered, but she is a Christian. Please pray for me, I know this will pass but there won't be any trust with this person again. - julie
I really appreciate what this devotion has to say however I think it oversimplifies the amount of choice some people have in the matter. I am thinking of school children in certain schools such as inner city, reservations and even in the most affluent schools where there is not much choice in who they will have for friends. Also, some people do not have much choice in where they are employed if jobs are scarce. And employers interview potential employees and only see the best side of a person and do not always know what the person may do before it is too late. I do agree with the Bible verse that "Bad company corrupts good character." But without some salt in the mix how can those who do not know of Jesus ever get the flavor or see the light? I think prayer and knowing that Jesus is one's friend in those situations that some people are stuck in is the redeeming factor. Staying in a situation where one is in such a minority where everyone else is not living according to how God would have us to live is so challenging and would encourage an extra closeness to God through prayer. Being in the company of God and Jesus is keeping the best of company even when one is surrounded by less than desirable people. How can people better understand that they do not stand alone when they stand with God? - Janice
This is VERY powerful. - Susan
I actually emailed a Deacon at another church about this very same issue. Because I used corporate email I got in trouble for doing it. Not to mention that he took ofense to me bringing this to his attention.
This devotion wore on me up until about a week ago when I finally stopped at the Book Store and purchased the book. I read it in high school. If you haven't read Animal Farm as a adult, you need to read it to understand what is being said here! - Wolfgang