The Power of Choice
The word “company” that Paul uses is the word homilia in the Greek language, meaning “companionship, intercourse, or communion.” This word comes from the greek word homilos, meaning “association together.” This word homilos is formed from two words that mean “at the same place or time; together” and “to take for oneself, to prefer, or to choose.” Yes, living in this world means that very often we will be in contact with worldly people, but what kind of person do we “take for [ourselves]”? What kind of person do we prefer? What kind of person do we choose to be around, keep as a companion, and regularly interact and communicate with?
Consider these questions in light of 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, where Paul challenges the Corinthians to consider what good could come of being “unequally yoked” with unbelievers. He uses the metaphor of us as “the temple of the living God.” The Jews held the opinion that the temple was corrupted (phtheiro) when it was in any way defiled or neglected by those responsible for guarding it. If we are responsible for ourselves as temples of God and the people we prefer and choose as companions affect our character and resulting behavior, then for the sake of guarding said temple, should we not be more careful about those with whom we extend fellowship? 1 John 1:7 tells us that true fellowship only comes from “walking in the light as He is in the light” and “the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” Do you choose to be around those who show no desire to walk in the light? Do you prefer the company of those who are not at all concerned about being cleansed of their sins by Jesus’ blood? James 4:4 tells us that when choosing to extend the hand of friendship, we must make a choice between the world and God. If we prefer those of this world, God says we cannot also be His friend, and we are deceiving ourselves because that kind of company will corrupt our good characters.
What About Reaching the Lost?
As mentioned before, in this world we constantly come into contact with people who have not yet heard, believed, and obeyed the gospel message. The fact is, some are seeking the truth and some are not. We are responsible for sharing the gospel with all men because it is the power of the gospel that saves men’s souls. This being said, what can we hope to gain in seeking companionship with another, in which the truth of God’s word is avoided in discussion and thinking spiritually is discouraged? When you mention God, His word, or His church, do your companions grow silent and distant, or quickly try to change the subject? Why would you continue to beat down the door of someone who has clearly shown that s/he does not want what you have? Should we not seek the company of those who are spiritually minded like we are?
Am I Spiritually Minded?
This is the question we must ask ourselves if we want to prefer the kind of company that will help and not hurt our character. There are only two kinds of mindsets: fleshly and spiritual. (1 Corinthians 2:12; Romans 8:5-8) There are only two resulting kinds of wills: selfish and selfless. (Philippians 2:3-4) Consequently, there are only two kinds of practices: sin and righteousness. (1 John 3:4-10) If we want to practice righteousness, then we will need the kind of selfless will that submits to God and serves others. To submit to God, we need to have the kind of spiritual mind that seeks His law, to obey it. If I want to be the kind of person God created me to be, then I will seek the company of those who will encourage me to be that kind of person.
What kind of person do you want to be?