I just read a recent New York Times poll that shows Republican Nominee for President, John McCain is being hurt by his link to President Bush (of course, if President Bush were wildly popular, this link would be a boost to McCain's campaign to win the election). Now the reason for this is that people assume that we tend to become like the people with whom we associate. So voters look at John McCain and see that he has been closely tied to the President and assume that he will continue the same Bush policies that they don't like. This, by the way, is why John McCain is doing his best to distance himself from Bush and Barack Obama is doing his best to associate the two!As followers of Jesus, we must take care of our associations. Should we associate with those "outside" the faith? Absolutely! Jesus was often with the "sinners and tax collectors" of his day. After all, he came to call sinners - not the "righteous" - to repentance. So yes, we should have friends and associates who are not Christians. But as we do, we must make sure that we are also surrounded by a strong community of like-minded Jesus-followers. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:33 that "bad company corrupts good character." This is a caution that we must all heed. Yes - pursue friendships with those who are not yet Christian. But be sure to do so carefully ... seeking to influence them toward Christ (vs. allowing them to influence you toward evil!). This is a fine line -- pray and ask God to give you wisdom in this area!
And if you don't have any friends who are unbelievers - then remember this: To have a friend you must first BE A FRIEND!Thanks for stopping by . . .
pj
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