Defeating Enemies of SuccessSample

The Key to Defeating Bad Company

Shortly after surrendering my heart to Christ as a freshman in college, I was faced with a big decision—would I keep hanging around the same friends who were dragging me down, or would I take a step of faith and dive into the new, life-giving relationships God had for me? Fortunately, I separated myself from those destructive relationships and embraced godly friendships.

Perhaps you’ve been there before, having to make that decision… or maybe you’re there right now. I’ve heard it said we become the average of the five people we spend the most time with—which means the company we keep is tremendously important!

You see, ungodly and unhealthy influences can cause us to get off-track and even derail our lives. Listening to the wrong people can influence us to make poor decisions and compromise our morals and principles. This is why the apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:33, Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

The converse is also true—good company enhances our character, enriches our lives, and helps us stay on track. I’m so grateful for the men in my life who consistently point me to God’s Word and help me become more Christ-like.

One of the keys to breaking free of bad company and embracing godly relationships is following godly counsel… even when it’s not easy. Proverbs 27:6 says, Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Friend, let me ask you today—who is speaking truth into your life? Who are you praying with, walking alongside, and doing life with? I encourage you to take inventory of your relationships and pursue those with Christ-like character!

As you engage with God’s Word:

● What is God saying to me?

● What does it mean to me?

● How can I apply what God is teaching me?

● How can I be specific in prayer today?

After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer. To discover more faith-building resources like this, I want to personally invite you to sign up for my weekly devotional email today!