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by Kevin Pauley
Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals." Become right-minded and stop sinning, because some people are ignorant about God. I say this to your shame. – 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 HCSB
We need to be very careful choosing who to hang out with. We tend to become like the people who surround us. In that sense, we are spiritual chameleons. David said, “How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers!”[1]
When King Jeroboam rebelled against the Davidic claim to Israel’s throne, worthless and wicked men gathered around him. [2] Soon, he faced the rightful king in military confrontation. He thought that his cunning ambush would be sufficient, especially since his troops outnumbered the king’s by two to one! Nevertheless, he ended up losing 500,000 men and his usurped throne.
We must not allow ourselves to become victims of “mob mentality” and go along with the crowd in wrongdoing.[3] However, it does not always take a crowd to get us to go in the wrong direction. Our yetzer hara (negative impulse) is so powerful, so integral to our sinful nature, that a single wicked person can actually influence a large crowd of well-meaning individuals!
When the church at Corinth was allowing their yetzer hatov to lead them into turning a blind eye to sin in their midst, Paul warned, “Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast permeates the whole batch of dough?”[4] When, in our zeal to extend compassionate grace, we go too far and make excuses for sin or (God forbid!) actually enable sinners to continue in their destructive habits, we are placing ourselves and our families in grave danger. Solomon taught, “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much good.”[5]
David not only grasped the fact that he was a spiritual chameleon, but understood its implications. He said, “Better a day in Your courts than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather be at the door of the house of my God than to live in the tents of the wicked. I am a friend to all who fear You, to those who keep Your precepts.”[6]
Wisdom dictates that we have an honest assessment of ourselves. Once we acknowledge our tendency toward “spiritual chameleon” behavior, our path becomes clear. We need to cultivate the friendship of good and wise people. We must seek out people who are known to be righteous and learn from their behavior. These friendships will allow us to learn new ways to be helpful, and the kindness of the tzaddikim will inspire us to also be kind.
So when the tzaddikim gather Sunday morning, where will you be? With Elohim’s children or with wicked and worthless men, urging you toward self-destructive rebellion against your rightful King?[7]
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
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