Christians often struggle in their walk with God. Sometimes this is related to things out of their control but sometimes this struggle has to do with the company they choose to keep. Paul says,

“If from human motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, LET US EAT AND DRINK, FOR TOMORROW WE DIE. Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’ Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.”

-1 Corinthians 15:32-34

The Apostle Paul faced all sorts of challenges because of his faith in Jesus. The next time we consider following God “too difficult,” consider what Paul was forced to deal with in 2 Corinthians 11:18-33. After examining his list, our struggles take on a new light! He served God and endured these hardships with spiritual motives because of the resurrection of Jesus. How do we get this type of motivation?

Paul says the people we spend time with affect our attitudes and behaviors. If we choose to spend the bulk of our lives with “bad company,” their sinful practices and ideals in our lives are likely to show up in our lives. Paul says Christians need to be “sober-minded and stop sinning.” In other words, clear-thinking and right-doing.

King David put it this way:

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” -Psalm 1

David says if we want to be pleasing to God, we must do two things. First, we must constantly be aware of those around us including those we choose to take advice from. We must walk with, stand with, and sit with righteous, godly people. These types of people will help us to grow according to God’s Will.

Second, we must find delight in God’s Will. This includes both what He has written for us in His Word as well as what He desires for us to do in our service to Him. By staying in the Bible we learn more about God. By practicing what He says to do, we grow to be more like Jesus.

If we are willing to walk, stand, and sit with God’s people and seek to delight in the Law of the Lord, we will be firmly rooted and productive in God’s service. In other words, walking with Him will be our joy.