I Corinthians 5:9-11 “9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler-not even to eat with such a one.”

HANGING OUT

You have probably heard the expression “If you lay with dogs you are going to get fleas.”  Well…that’s kind of what Paul is saying here.  He is warning us not to associate with “so-called” brothers or sisters.  We have to live in the world, thus we have to be around unbelievers.  But we do NOT have to hang out with those who pretend to be believers.  That is warned against.

Do you know those people?  I hope and pray you aren’t one of them yourselves.  That would not be good for you or the Body of Christ.  We should live in a way that we are above reproach and only bring honor to our Lord.  I, for one, have been that other brother in the past.  Thankfully, the Lord convicted me and has brought me to a place of repentance.

TEACHING MOMENT

This is one truth that our children need to learn.  They must be careful when choosing friends, especially those who say they are believers.  Today many say they believe, but in reality, they just have the appearance of being a believer.  It is easier in some places to say you are a believer just to get people off your back.  That is not what is expected by us.  We must be true to our Lord.

When your children come home and tell you that “so and so” is doing things that you know would bring dishonor to the Lord, counsel your children wisely.  They will learn the skill of friend making from you.

Are you “hanging out” with unbelieving believers?  You too need to be careful.  You don’t want fleas, do you?  Don’t let other “believers” bring you down.  Don’t let their impure thoughts and actions influence you. Don’t let their judgmental attitudes corrupt your walk.

God wants you “flea free.”  Allow Him to direct you to those believers who can walk with you in this life.  They are your true friends.