Mindlessly doing things because all our friends do them is pretty much 90 percent of what society does. Sad, but true. It started in elementary school, raged in high school and unfortunately followed us right into adulthood.
This interesting article I read talks about how our eating habits are formed by those we eat with most often. The article was pointing to a principle I’ve found true most of my life. My physical habits, spiritual methods and thought patterns are often influenced by the people I hang out with more than I would like to admit.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by this, 1 Corinthian 15:33 says, “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.”
Not exactly sure how I balance this with personal evangelism and the time I spend with people in my life whose lives are not where they should be. However, I think the warning is simple. Be very careful who you allow into the inner circle of your life and whatever you do don’t just mindlessly adopt the thoughts, actions, and patterns of the people around you.
Are the people in your “inner circle” helping guide you to become the person God designed you to be?
I’ve been wondering this morning if quiet design has ruined the church. Diet is a good example. Endless cake, quiche and coffee mornings if you are British.
I watch the weekend services at Saddleback and it’s interesting to see how via Danielplan they are giving people the opportunity to buck the trend. Of course it’s still design but as you say all of life is subject to some kind of engineering project these days.
…the architecture of the nation, the state or the region; or the church, the school; the voluntary project or the workplace.
We are all servants to some kind of policy, convention or defining stereotype.
Unless the archetypal second person -you- decides to opt out of society alltogether. As all the yous know, this is practically impossible.
Take note. Someone is paying for your self sufficiency somewhere. They will be paying. No pressure.
Quiet time, anyone?
I learned from some very worldly people to be loving of others regardless of anything.
In church… I learned, that good christians don’t associate with anyone or anything that the church calls bad… and that list is exhausting.
When I sought God out for myself, I discovered… He hung out with the worst of society… because that’s where He could do the most good… So I ask you… exactly who is the bad influence?
Know yourself, know your convictions, and stand by them… be who, what and where God has called you, and you will be where you should be. Anyone else who doesn’t like it, should relax, they don’t have to answer for your actions or your life in the end.
Yes, our ‘inner circle’ is intentional about helping each other to move forward in our relationships; not only in Christ, but with each other as well. We often quote Proverbs 27: 17-18, especially when we need to have those ‘unpleasant’ conversations. If we are not intentional about it, things do drift and and can get sideways quickly.
As how that dove tails into personal evangelism, I do have people that might fall into the “not where they should be” category, however I guard my heart with them. For the most part we understand each other. When their comments concerning my faith turn caustic, I address those…When my comments turn ‘high and mighty’, they address those… My lifestyle and convictions do bring sincere questions, those I do try to answer as Christ would.
I think I read somewhere where your life is the average of the five people you hang out with the most. Makes you think….
Comment#2
On a more positive note. Contrary to the metaphoric Church as drumroll I have always feared the emerging church to be. I have found a lovely bible study group online to join with and be satisfied. I would like one day to fully emerge. Into an above ground structure that can support itself in a community. As a community. Unfortunately whenever I think “Church” in the UK, my heart screams Jacobins.
Partly because of the terrifying experiences I have had. And partly because I’ve not had a counter experience to dislodge this ugly stereotype which is subject to the principle of multiplication as more Christians seek to engage with it.
Thankfully Church in America does not have the same stigma for me.
Getting to know you and your wife though your blogs and the organizations you lead has been a powerful opportunity to re-design my life and routines quietly and persistently.
Thanks for shouting from across the Atlantic loud enough for me to hear you. The cost in my life of not doing as others do has been heavy. It’s reassuring to know there is a value in choices; there is a value in choosing irregardless of consequential negative effects.
Doubtless choosing is easier when decisions are made together and paralyzing when choices are made alone.
You must be reading my blog, I just posted about something similar yesterday: http://talesofwork.com/blog/2012/01/one-key-to-success-a-close-group-of-friends/
They are starting to do so. God’s changed my “inner circle” in the last year and brought in people who care about me rather than use me.
So happy for you Jason. Authentic friendships are a thing to be cherished.
This post goes along with a post I wrote recently on how we do things in life based on peer pressure – what we wear, the activities we participate in, etc. I guess that’s why it’s so important who we rub shoulders with!
Hanging out with ‘bad characters’ isn’t so bad if you are the one who is rubbing off on them.
Just don’t let the tables turn on you.
Experienced “villain” in the eyes of many for this…of which I am ok with as long as my heart is right with God.
(“villain” because I all too often go against the grain to follow my own path)
That’s one of the things we all love about you Paula.