Walking With Christ

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'(ESV)

The enemy is patient. The enemy is slow moving and careful. It’s always just a little bit here and a little bit there. Always something small and insignificant that can’t possibly matter. The slow slide is hard to notice. It’s so subtle. Eventually we become nose blind to the stink of evil all around us. We go home and smell nothing, but if we visit the home of a friend then we are acutely aware of every nuanced fragrance in that new environment. Solomon was corrupted slowly by his many foreign wives as shown in 1 Kings 11. Samson and Delilah. David and Bathsheba. Ananias and Sapphira. Peter. There are so many examples of people slowly being led astray.

Some might argue that a loving God would not allow such subtle influences to lead His chosen people away. Solomon and David are two examples where this premise is simply false. David was called a man after God’s own heart, yet he still went astray. Free will allows us to choose to not follow His voice or choose to do what is right in our own eyes as in Judges 17:6. This free will that is such an amazing gift is a definite double edged sword that gives us the freedom to choose but it cannot be separated from the responsibilities for those choices. Jonah, the prodigal son, and even Adam and Eve used free will only to find that they did not follow the path laid before them.

How do we avoid becoming nose blind to what the enemy is doing?

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.(ESV)

How do we renew daily?

Psalm 1:1-2 (1) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; (2)but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.(ESV)

By reading the word, spending time with God through prayer or acts of service, and spending time with other believers who will tell you when something smells funky. Daily devotions help to prepare our minds every day and keep us on track. Being involved with other believers keeps us in touch with people who can help us stay accountable. Self-reflection on recent thoughts and actions after reading the word helps us to evaluate those against what God says. When in doubt, reach out. Find Godly council.

Always remember Hebrews 10:24-25 (24)And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, (25)not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.(ESV)
Combine this with Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.(ESV)

In a world that constantly tests our character and beliefs, let us be ever vigilant. Just as a Shepherd keeps watch over His flock, so must we guard our hearts and minds against the subtle snares of the enemy. Let’s commit to renewing our minds daily through the Word, prayer, and fellowship, so we can better discern God’s perfect will. As we lean on one another in community, following the exhortation in Hebrews 10:24-25, we strengthen not only ourselves but also fortify the Body of Christ against the creeping influences that seek to corrupt it. May we never grow complacent or ‘nose blind’ to the challenges that confront us, always striving to be more like Christ in all we do.