The Company You Keep

Photo Credit: Maximiliano Jorquera

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” 1 Corintians 15:43

Did your mother ever tell you that it was important to have good friends? It makes sense, right? I mean a bad friend can tempt you to do things you wouldn’t ordinarily do. They could even ruin your reputation. Friends can make or break you.

Obviously, God wants us to choose our friends wisely. He wants the best for us. As I read this verse, something else jumped out at me. As Christians, most of us are careful about the sort of people we hang out with and the type of activities we participate in. And yet, every evening in Christian homes across America men and women turn on the television and bring in “friends” who have a less than upright character.

Could television, videos, or movies be corrupting your good character? The Bible tells us to abstain from all types of evil. Paul says, “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, fractions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5: 19-21 NIV.

Does that describe much of what is found on television and in the movies? The Bible also says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…” Ephesians 4: 29a NIV. Bad language abounds in much of what Hollywood has to offer us these days. This thought that, “Oh, a little sin won’t hurt,” is a far cry from what God has commanded in His Word. We are told, “Avoid every kind of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 22 NIV.

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that He appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in Him is no sin. No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.” 1 John 3: 1- 6

It is important that we choose carefully what we watch on television. Shows and movies that glorify sin do not glorify HIM. Jesus is calling a purified people to be His people. He wants each one of us to “come out of Babylon” and serve Him with pure hearts and minds.

“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” 1 Thessalonians 4: 7 NIV.

Are you willing to make the right choice?

10 Alternatives to Halloween

In our family we decided not to celebrate a holiday that celebrates pagan and satanic themes. We want to uplift our creator in everything we do – every day of the year. There are lots of ways to not celebrate Halloween, but still have a fun time together as a family. My children have no problem with missing out on things that are evil in order to take a stand for Jesus. This year we are going to our church’s Fall Festival. It will be lots of fun!

I personally believe our children should be taught that sometimes we don’t do certain things simply because they do not please God. It is a fact of life that there will be times when everyone around us is doing “something fun” that does not honor God. This is especially true once our children become teens. Sex, drugs, and alcohol can seem like a lot of “fun” and peer pressure will weigh down those who have not been taught how to “Just say no for Jesus.”

Once you have explained to your children why you will no longer be celebrating Halloween, or even if you have never celebrated the day, here are some ideas to make the Halloween night a night to banish evil and make Jesus the center “light.”

1. Go door to door passing out “treats” rather than receiving them! Explain that Jesus is the real treat and give them a tract to read, such as the ones at The American Tract Society.

2. Tape candy pieces to religious bookmarks or child friendly tracts and pass them out as the trick or treaters come to your door.

3. Attend a fall festival at a local church.

4. Invite friends over for a Bible Character costume party.

5. Stay home with your family and play board games all night. Talk to each other!

6. Go door to door collecting cans for the hungry for Thanksgiving and make baskets to give to local needy families at Thanksgiving. Get the church involved and increase your food bank supply!

7. Have a family communion.

8. Have a fall themed potluck dinner with other families. only serve foods such as apples, winter squash and soups.

9. Have a Family Day. Choose your families favorite activities: go to the park, visit a Christian bookstore, go out to eat… just make it special!

10. Have a group hayride. Sing song praising God. Some local farms may do this for a small fee.

Whatever you do, do for the glory of God!