To all Christians....?

Question

The scriptures says "Bad association spoils useful habits"

Is it wrong to associate with someone that practice things that is contrary to Bible teaching?

e.g. (1) Even though I know that I'm not guy and that I would never become guy. Is it wrong to be freinds with someone that is guy?

e.g. (2) Even though I know that I'm never going to smoke, or do drugs. Is it wrong to associate with someone who smokes marijuana?

e.g. (3) Even though I know that nothing would stop me from beleiving in Jehovah's love for me, and practicing my religion. Is it wrong to associate with someone that doesn't beleive in a God or has a totally different religion from mine or disagrees with the teachings of my religion?

Your opinion would be highly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Sorry to e.g (1) Instead of guy I meant gay. Typing error...

Answer 1

If you really want to follow that portion of scripture than "YES" to all your point..But question is, do you really want to follow scripture that seriously?

Answer 2

Yes. Never associate with guys. Of course that means you will never know any guy and never marry and therefore die a virgin.

Never associate with anyone who smokes marijuana or drinks alcohol. And since everyone commits sins of some kind, you can never associate with ANY body.

As for associating with people who believe the same as you....well nobody does. Even those in your own church have different opinions on religion. So, I suggest you figure out some way to get a job where you never see or hear or talk to anyone. Good luck. I actually wish that all the close minded holier than thou Christians could just find a way to go away and quit trying to force their beliefs on everyone else.

Answer 3

Three points I'd like to make here...hopefully this will help you in your question.

#1) Jesus Christ (and many others) often went to places where people were not christians or were outside of the socially "accepted" at the time. He often made it a point to cross paths with prostitutes, lepers, etc in the hopes that he could lead them to a belief in God. Many modern churches do this today with prision ministries, drug counsiling, etc. As a Christian faith, if we never associate with non-christians how can we fulfill the great commission? With that being said, we have to realize that as Christians we have a responsibility to bring light into the darkness...if we are with people that are doing things that Christians don't do, and they don't see us a being any differant, then we become part of the problem, not the solution.

2) Generally as I've worked with young people and adults, if you come to a place where you ask yourself "Should I be doing this", or "Should I be with this person or group of people" it's your own heart telling you that you shouldn't be.

3) I personally have no problem with being friends with those outside my denomination or even my faith. As their friend, I want them to understand where I am coming from. I also want to know more about them and learn why they believe what they believe. I am Christian, but I really believe there are things that we can admire and appreciate about other religions....and in many cases, even learn from. Would I hang out with a muslim? Sure. Would I go to lunch with a buddist? Sure. Would this change me or make me less of a Christian? no.

Answer 4

Corinth was the "Las Vegas" of that era. Their primary industry was serving the sexual needs of sailors. Paul was more concerned about appearances there, than about sin. You would be better guided by what he said in Romans 12 - unless you are a lady of the evening.

You will note that the Amish, who emphasize Romans 12, especially Romans 12:2, lead a life which includes many hardships, but they do not judge others. In fact, within hours of the Nickel Mines shootings occurred, they were encouraging all to pray for the family of the gunman.

It's not wrong to be friends with someone that is gay, nor is it wrong to be gay. When God defined sin, it was in the Ten Commandments. Adulterating the marriage bed is a sin; homosexuality isn't. Do you really think God was forgetful, and left it out accidentally?

It's not a sin to smoke or use drugs. I use caffeine daily, and it helps me deal with attention deficit disorder.

When Jesus said, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age," what do you think he meant? Do you think he meant that you should avoid anyone whose beliefs are the slightest bit different than yours?

Someone's been feeding you hornswoggle, ma'am.

Answer 5

Which scriptures say that? I'm not doubting you, I just haven't run across that particualr message and am wondering where you did.

As for your real question, if you beleive that these groups are wrong or otherwise sinful, and you just avoid them, then you are going against most of the religions I am familiar with. To most sects, you're duty would be to try and help them and teach them the error of their ways.

For (2) specifically, the bible has no stance at all on marijuana, or any drug. The only mind-altering substance mentioned in the bible is alchohol, and the message is very mixed. Sometimes liquor is a gateway for the devil, and sometimes Jesus supports drunkenness (water to wine).

Answer 6

1Cr 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."

1Cr 15:34 Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak {this} to your shame.


http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=1Cr&chapter=15&version=NASB#top

It is true that Jesus hung out with "the wrong crowd". But he did so without sinning. The question is, can you hang out with a doper and not do dope? Are you susceptible to capitulating to peer pressure? If so, then you should not do it.

If your gang of friends are at a rock concert and passing a joint down the row, will you take a toke? Even when they make fun of you and call you names? If they call you names, then they really aren't your friends, are they?

Regardless of whether you have the character to say no or not, what good does it do? I have seen many people fall because of what you think you are strong enough to resist.
It only takes a single weak moment to fall to temptation that can get you hurt, killed, pregnant, or arrested.

I have seen reports and know of people that die because of what you are proposing (hanging out with dopers, drunks, or other bad influences).

For example: There was a 17 year old girl that had gotten a nice new mustang for her birthday. After leaving church one night, her boyfriend and his best friend were following her and a game of chase ensued. Speeding down the winding country road, she lost control of her car, fishtailed, flipped and was killed. The boyfriend also lost control of his truck and he and his passenger both died too.

Gee, speeding and reckless driving isn't even close to getting high, being a LUG, doing dope. But things like this happen every day. And they are graveyard dead. Do you realize how hard it was to tell everybody at the funeral that God did not kill them? And do you realize how bad it was on the parents that have tried to live every day wondering about what they did to contribute to this?

And when you do compromise (and you will if you go to the bars and do not drink, hang out with the girls, etc), you will be riddled with guilt, your witness will be invalidated, and you may live to regret it.

What can happen to you? The drugged out girl could be raided and you are there and get arrested or hurt because you open your mouth and smart off to the cops.

You can get in a car with a drunk/drugged driver and be hurt in a wreck.

Why? Simply because you did not adhere to scriptural principles that you have been taught. You are telling us that you are different and that you will not be affected by it.

Answer 7

It all depends how dedicated you are ...and, what is your definition of 'associate'?
If, by associate, you mean to talk with once in a while, briefly ....there seems to be no cause for alarm.
If, by associate, you mean socializing on a regular basis .....there is cause for alarm.
You will not influence them.
They will influence you.
A dedicated person is much like an athelete in trainig.
They must be focused, single-minded, be with those going in the same direction.
Otherwise, there is risk.
How much of a risk do you wish to take?

Answer 8

First off, don't rule out that fact that most of the time if you are around a group of people for long periods of time you will conform to those values. It is not wrong to be friends with anyone but it is dangerous to place yourself in a situation with anything illegal(drugs). Light and darkness cannot inhabit the same space....this means, If you are truly living a Christian life you will be looking to minister to these people and they will flee from you. I had friends like this also. It is only wrong if you start conforming to their beliefs and becoming numb to the Holy Spirit.

God Bless

Answer 9

If your faith is strong, why even believe that anyone could sway you.
If you do not wish to associate with these various "evils" that you speak of, then do not.
But, do not be fearful of those who are not filled with the spirit, nor practice bad habits. For they only serve as examples of what you do not wish to be.

I also assume that you speak of persons who are "GAY", not guy. A guy is a male, and a "gay", is a homosexual male, with "lesbian" being a homosexual female, in today's latest version of being politically correct.

Answer 10

Just recall Jesus example - he hung out with people that weren't exactly socially acceptable to most people. For example tax collecters - but what was the reason he was around those people? Was it to "hang"? No - it was to teach them about his father and his kingdom.
What is your reasoning to be around such people? Are you trying to share your knowledge?
The question here isn't Jehovah's love for you, it's your love for Jehovah. If you really love God, you wouldn't appreciate the people that don't even believe he exists or who act contrary to his laws. You don't have to hate them or ignore them, but you don't have to be their best friends either.
If one of your "associates" was constantly complaining about your mom - how would you take it? If you really have a good mom, and you loved your mom, you would try to point out her good qualities. If this associate continued to complain about your mom, do you think your feelings of friendship would remain? Or do you think if your mom knew, she would want such a person in her house? Or hanging around her child? I wouldn't. The point is, you are supposed to love God more than anything in the world - he should be your friend. When your friends/associates say bad things about God and you still "hang" with them, you are showing that they are more important to you than God. What does that say about you?
It says you are only living for this life. You don't expect anything else, much like the people who lived "pre-flood" in Noah's day. Actions speak louder than words.

Answer 11

Jesus ate with the publicans and sinners because he loved all people and knew they were the ones most in need of hearing what he had to say. Just as with the story of the prodigal son; the other son's reward was secured, yet he became jealous when the father killed the fatted calf for the prodigal upon his return. The lesson that our reward is not based on length of service but trueness of heart is immortal. Care for your own soul, but be a friend to those who need one.