Should Christians Hang Out with Sinners Like Jesus Did?
BY BCL | Sadly, we all know people who got mixed up in the wrong crowd and went south. Should Christians hang out with sinners like Jesus did?
What shapes our character and personality? Well, one of the most significant influences is other people. Parents mold us. Sisters and brothers affect our personality. Friends pull and push us in this or that direction. Teachers inspire our ambitions and interests. And since peer pressure has such horsepower, we want our influences to be good, positive.
Basic wisdom tells us to avoid bad characters. It is foolish to expose yourself to prolonged sinful company. Sadly, we all know people who got mixed up in the wrong crowd and went south. Good kids were corrupted away from the path of truth and faith. And this is in part why we create communities, to form an arena of positive influences and to defend against wicked ideas and practices. The apostle Paul’s warning, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals,” is a red-flag waving.
And this is not just a Christian thing; everyone does it to some extent. It is both biblical wisdom and natural law prudence. And yet, when it comes to this common grace principle, our Lord didn’t conform. He looked the fool and not the sage. Though, as we will see, Jesus had the best reason for his exceptional practice…
i guess there is no easy answer here... Or maybe there is? Following the voice of the Holy Spirit might help us avoid taking many wrong turns. A good example is the former substance abuser who tries to help a current substance abuser and he ends up also using, falling for temptation... So, don`t run in front of the Lord, but wait for his answer... Let those who are strong enough go into those situations and the rest of us can pray...
We're all sinners and believers alike. Why shouldn't we all hang out (meaning praying) together? Sinners pray.