by Pastor Rich Carlson

There are all kinds of “if…then” deductive reasoning statements in this chapter of Paul’s letter to the Corinthian believers. They circle around the reality of the resurrection and the confidence we can have in it. Paul’s argument is very convincing! But the bottom line is this: “So what? What difference does it make in your life?” He concludes this letter, with very clear advice.
     “Stand firm”
     “Let nothing move you”
     “Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord”
     “Be on your guard”
     “Stand firm in the faith” (I think I see a theme coming through!)
     “Be people of courage”
     “Be strong”
     “Do everything in love”
And do you know why?
Paul says, “Don’t be misled: Bad company corrupts good character!”

That’s what Paul says—that’s his solution for God’s people facing a very challenging encounter with a very secular and pagan society. In an earlier verse he said, “Hang on,” and in today’s verse he says, “Stand firm.”

If I don’t stand for something, I’ll fall for anything (that should be in quotes too but I can’t remember who said it so I’ll take credit!) Everything I do, says Paul should be “in love,” but I’ve got to take a stand for God in response to the absolute assurance that He has taken the ultimate stand for me. My choices will affect who I am and who I become. That’s about as simple as it can get.

My main point for today came to me as I was thinking about “bad company.” I don’t have any “bad company” because all the people I hang around with really are good, or I choose to focus on their good. I like my company. But then I started thinking about other “company” that I might keep—media, internet, imagination—what about the impersonal company I keep? That too can corrupt, and I believe will corrupt me if I choose to allow its negative influence to impact my life. I may not be tempted to commit acts of immorality, but according to Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, I’m just as bad off if I watch immorality. I may not be openly tempted to demonstrate acts of selfishness, but am I doing myself any good and am I “standing firm” or “hanging on” successfully if I allow selfishness and pride to infiltrate my heart? I may never have been tempted to commit an act of violence against another human being, but am I really any better off if I fill my mind with impersonal acts of violence, even against inanimate creatures on my computer screen?

Those were the sins affecting the believers in Corinth—I don’t see a lot of difference in what affects our society today. As I walked the streets of ancient Corinth recently and heard the stories of how wicked life was back then, I was horrified at first, and then I realized that, some things never change! As I read this letter from Paul, I find a lot that makes very good sense. “Hang on,” “Stand firm,” and don’t forget, what I put into life is probably what I’ll get out of life. My choices do make a difference.

 Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. “God Is Faithful” is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.