Serving Christ In This Life Is Difficult: But Doable As We Grow In Grace

Do not be deceived: 

"Evil company 

corrupts good habits."

Awake to righteousness,

and do not sin; for

some do not have the

knowledge of God.

I speak this to your shame.

1Corinthians 15:33-34

     Growth in grace and the means for such growth is the subject of these blogs and it is by the Grace of God that we can have means; but often we overlook them or refuse to use them.  One such means that must be examined is our need to be cautious towards the company we keep, and the friendships we form.  The old saying; "A bad apple will destroy the barrel of apples," certainly applies to those with whom we associate. Sin is a disease, a disease that Jesus Christ said that He would heal: "Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Indeed we do come to You, for You are the LORD our God" (Jeremiah 3:22).  Disease is infectious, and that infection means simply that you can catch the disease.  So, then, why associate with diseased people?  Sin is sin, and sin is a disease and that sin, or disease can infect you and others with whom you associate. As an Authentic Biblical Christian you must choose with whom you will associate with and with whom you will spend time, other than those that are in our workplaces, or in needs of life, i.e., gas stations, stores, etc.  Who are you clinging too?  Is it some "rock star?' Is it some person in the entertainment industry that lives lives that are far removed from Christianity?  How do we associate with them?  By attending their movies, watching them on TV, etc. and they earn money, your money, when you associate with them.  Therefore your faraway friendship with such diseased persons is helping them to continue in their sinful lifestyles.  

     It is hard enough to live an Authentic Biblical Christian life in this word, and due to our fallen natures, but we can if we are intentional to live for our Savior Jesus Christ and not just for ourselves.  James writes: "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.  Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 

     This then is the means for you to grow in grace.  Associate with other brothers and sisters in Christ, more than those of the world.  Seek Christian friends and pray for those friends, read the Bible with them, take time with them and be concerned about their souls, be a Christian in your employment, people should see in you that you are a Christian and have little or no need for you to tell them so. A true friend is one that sharpens you and you sharpen them for you both have the same interest; to serve the living God. 

     Growth in grace therefore has the means to protect us from harm. This is true only if it is applied in your and mine, lives.  Does this mean that we are isolationists? No, it means that we are always conscious of our associates and how they may affects us, and not infect us. This is one way in which we can grow in grace and every Authentic Biblical Christian has this need; to grow in the Lord.

Draw near to God and He will

     draw near to you.  Cleanse 

your hands, you sinners; and 

     purify your hearts, you

double-minded.....

     Humble yourselves in the

sight of the Lord and He will

    lift you up.

                       James 4:8,10

Praise God and Commune with Him

Richard L. Crumb