“Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”” - The Apostle Paul
Israel has progressed quickly into blatant sin. We’ve read how easily it went from complaining and distrust of the Lord to idol worship and blatant sexual sin. You could read this chapter and think the Lord is harsh but the consequences we read about are a result from Israel’s own poor decisions. We will even find out this behavior is connected to advice Balaam gives to the Moabites. “For they invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods.” Numbers 25:2
The Lord wasn’t being harsh when He commanded Israel to separate themselves from other nations. He knew it would lead to sins of all kinds and be harmful to Israel. Sometimes we don’t recognize how influential people can be and we get wrapped up in behaviors not fitting for a follower of Christ. Anything we do outwardly (positive or negative) is telling what’s going on in our heart. It’s wise to consider the company we keep, or to say it better… who we allow to be influential in our lives. You can mean well but surround yourself with corrupt people and chances are it will lead you away from the good things of the Lord. We are called to be IN the world but not OF the world. Be an influencer for the name of Jesus. Be wise about who you allow to influence you.
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.