I have read many posts recently which talk about avoiding people. We should not hang out with those who do not believe as we do. We should not be married or stay married to someone who does not follow Christ. We should abandon friends who do not believe the same as we do about marriage, friendship, Christianity, etc.
These people quote the Bible. And yes, this is where I will be lazy and not put in the Bible verses they use. But yes... they do quote the Bible. These verses say we should not hang out with those who sin because hey, we're all to freaking weak to make our own decisions. We're all too weak to say, "hey, I realize you think it is ok to sleep with the football team... but that's not what God teaches us."
Yes, there are verses which say we should not associate with "bad people." But, aren't we all "bad people"? Do we simply accept these verses and completely ignore the fact that a) we're supposed to love everyone, b) we're supposed to share God's love and message with everyone, and c) there's even some place in 1 Corinthians that talks about being an example to a non-believing spouse.
True, if you have that one person who is trying to get you to sin.. that one person who encourages bad behavior on your part, then avoid them. But only after trying to witness to them. Don't just say "oh, you're a bad influence, I refuse to speak to you anymore." Are you really so much a lemming that you can't stand up to sin? You have to completely ditch a person rather than try to be a good influence because you're too afraid of the other person being a bad influence?
Maybe this is what is wrong with the world. We're too busy either turning our backs on people, or preaching rather than being a loving example of Christ. We're too busy being selfish and not wanting to actually have to stand up and be strong in Christ. It's easier to get rid of bad influences than to try to be a good influence. It's easier to turn our back on a potential follower of Christ, than to help lead that person to Christ.
We're just too selfish, unforgiving, and/or weak-minded to be the witnesses God has asked us to be.
Good post. I hate when people take verses out of context!
ReplyDeleteVery true, Justin. But, to be honest, I don't know if those verses are taken out of context or not - I haven't really paid attention to the context... only the verses. All I do know is that they seem to disagree with the rest of the Bible when used on their own (which does lead me to agree that they're out of context).
DeleteIt is not Christ-like to ditch people just because they do not believe in Christ and His word. We are supposed to influence our world for Christ but when a person refuses to be influenced but rather seeks to influence us, then we should avoid them.
ReplyDeleteJesus was friendly with everyone, He even visited and dined with sinners, but when it came to who prayed with Him and communed with Him, when it came to His inner circle He was choosy and intentionally so about it. More so, even among the twelve He further separated three... we should love, be nice and care about everyone. But we should never let down our guards as to the power of proximity and influence.
Thanks for reminding us of what love can do in and through us Brandi. Do have a great day!
Love
Interesting - I don't recall Jesus specifically only allowing his 12 disciples, or 3 best friends, to pray and commune with Him. Understandably, He had His friends... but where in the Bible does it say He was choosy about who He prayed with? I don't remember that part.
DeleteWe aren't to let our guard down and allow ourselves to be influenced, but we are never told to stop being a good influence to others. If I were to live with a murderer, that person would not have the ability to make me a murderer as well... but I do have a good chance of making that person turn him/herself around and I would never stop trying.