Don’t be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

What if someone gave you a glass of water to drink and just as you’re about to chug it down they say, “By the way, there’s a little bit of poopoo in it, but what’s a little in such a big glass!” Would you drink it? Yet we think nothing of putting corrupt things in our minds thinking it’s only a little bit, how badly can it affect me?

What’s wrong with saying that? What’s so bad about doing that? You’re just old fashioned! Everybody is doing it this way. We’ve all heard it, some of us have even said it, but just because the masses are doing it, does it make it right?

I remember when my girls were growing up and they’d beg to go alone to the mall to hang out with friends and I’d say no. In typical teen fashion, they’d get in a huff, beg and beg, hoping I’d cave to the pressure. They would say, “All our friends are going. We’ll be the only ones that can’t go.” I’d come back with, “Just because everyone is doing it doesn’t make it right. Besides I’m pretty sure there are a lot of parents who aren’t letting their kids go. Even so, you’re not going!”

When I was about 9 or 10, there was a new family that moved in down the road from us. She was a little risk taker and being with her was fun. There was just one problem, she liked to lie. Before I knew it, I began repeating the same behavior and my dad tanned my hide for it. Then he asked me who I’d been hanging around with. When I told him, he forbid me from playing with her again. I didn’t get it at the time. I thought he was just being mean, but I’m pretty sure he was passing on a lesson I’d never forget.

Parents, if you question the behavior of your child’s friends, protect them from bad choices while you still maintain some semblance of control. Teach them the difference between right and wrong so that they will recognize it in the future. It doesn’t mean they won’t make mistakes, but do what you can while you can.

And you, it’s ok to guard yourself from bad influences as well. If you’re asked to compromise your standards or values because everyone else is, walk away! Set a new trend by walking in a different direction than the rest of the world around you. I’d much rather enter heaven alone than to enter hell with millions of followers.

Stand Strong,

Sandy G