Subtle Decay

I recently made a discovery and I don’t know how best to share it! Should I share it from a personal point of view or a general one? 🤔

As humans, there are things just lying around us that we never see as important until we get to experience them ourselves. 

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.””

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭33‬ ‭(AMP‬‬)

I’ve heard people say that the quality of the people you surround yourself with influences the kind of person you gradually or eventually become. I’ve also heard others argue that it doesn’t matter who you choose to be in your circle, all that matters is the quality of your person. What’s your take or experience on this? 

“It’s not healthy to store eggs for a long period of time. Once one goes bad, it’s done!”, my friend would always say empathetically.

Then, I would laugh and shrug whenever she went on and on about this issue. It took me experiencing something very similar myself to actually believed her. Some things seem far fetched and super unbelievable to you until it happens or affects you. 

“Do not even associate with a man given to angry outbursts; Or go [along] with a hot-tempered man, 

Or you will learn his [undisciplined] ways And get yourself trapped [in a situation from which it is hard to escape].”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭(AMP‬‬)

The scripture above is an instruction that should apply to every area of life regardless of your depth or stance in the faith. Some good or bad traits are passed from parents to their children biologically but others have been discovered to have happened unconsciously just by proximity, observation and learning. Just the way a decayed tooth left untreated spreads decay to other healthy teeth and makes them weak in the long run.

So, the same way you intentionally submit yourself to a Mentor to be discipled on Christian living and growth, is the same way there’s transference of bad attitudes, characters, habits and vices from other people. 

“Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers).”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭(AMP‬‬)

Dear believer, this is a gentle reminder for you to be mindful of those in your circle. Decay doesn’t happen in obvious ways, it starts subtly from the inside before becoming obvious.

The world is fast becoming a wicked place where humans are exposed to different realities that make them become unpredictable. So, before you tag that person your friend, make sure they exhibit and bear fruit that align with God’s nature.

Shalom!