I Corinthians 15:33, "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners."

This morning, man likes to think he is the "master of his domain" and the "commander of his own destiny." In reality, we are able to control much less than we think, and many of the "little things" that we do are picked up - sometimes subconsciously - from other people or things. If we are honest with ourselves, we all are prone to mimic and and parrot things that we see and learn in others. Parents readily see their young children mimicking them, and friends develop like traits from their friends and closest acquaintances. Due to this tendency in people, we cannot claim to be master or commander of even our smallest daily regimen as it can be impacted and influenced by so many other things. People that like to run every day cannot be the master of that when rain keeps them from doing it. People that go to work cannot be the master of that as sickness can keep them in bed. Yet, there are some things that we should become masters at, regardless
of the situation or season in our lives.

Paul is discussing, in this passage, the beauty, glory, and mystery of the resurrection of the body. Our verse, in the middle of this passage and discourse, is in a section of thought (Verses 29-34) that discusses the adherence to these teachings. Paul did not labour under illusions and delusions about some false consequence. He did not labour to make anybody more fit for the resurrection, but he still laboured night and day, was in jeopardy, and desired to be awake to righteousness about this teaching. In the midst of that discussion on our outlook of the resurrection, he tells us to not be deceived about something. What he will say is something we can be deceived or diluted into thinking. Evil communications corrupt good manners, regardless of what anyone else may say.

The word here for communications does not specifically entail verbal speaking, but it goes deeper than that into connotations of companionship and way of life. Therefore, if we have evil companions (bad associations) or an unprofitable way of life (wayward steps), we will find ourselves with bad manners. The word here for manners does not take in such simple things as not burping at the table either, this word is speaking about not just our way of life, but our dwelling, abode, haunt, or home. If we run with the wrong people or step in the wrong places, it will corrupt or ruin our home. We will have no sure dwelling place, as our house will be founded upon the shifting sands of the earth, rather than founded upon the sure Rock of our salvation.

People, even in this day and age thousands of years after Paul wrote this, try to say, "The people I am around won't affect me. Instead, I'll be a good influence on them." Sadly, history, experience, observation, and verses like this one show that such is not the case. Instead of the one being a good influence on the evil, the evil corrupts the good. As a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump, so bad companionship and communion in our lives can corrupt our home and way of life. So, if evil communications corrupt good manners, what about good communications? Well, if the evil corrupt, then then the good would glorify and be uncorrupt.

Watching children interact is a joy, but sometimes painful as we see a spiritual lesson that steps on our toes somewhat. As I write this segment, my children are 3 years old and 9 months old. Since the arrival of the second, we have already seen things in their interaction that make for good illustrations of spiritual experiences. For example, the older had stopped most of his whining, crying, etc, to get what he wanted. He had been taught to ask for things he wanted, but now that the younger (who cannot talk) whines and cries, he has reverted back into those same paths. Seeing one cry who cannot ask gives him reason (self justification) to cry as well, even though he can ask. Another lesson, on the flip side, is that he has tried to interact, play, and encourage her to do things that he can do already. He helps her crawl, engages her to play and grab hold of items, and start trying to talk.

In the first instance, the reversion of behaviour shows our tendencies when around people that cry and whine instead of ask. People who grumble, complain, and walk around with a little dark cloud over their head all the time will impress us to do the same. We ought to be more prayerful, beseeching Him to be with us, but being around a complainer for a little while will take thoughts of prayer away and insert thoughts of complaint instead. Someone trying to abstain from drunkenness and fornication will find a hard time keeping that course if he goes with friends to the locations on Saturday night where those things are done. Theologically, a man will find it hard to keep sound doctrine and practice when constantly in the path, intercourse, and communion with those that have evil communications in that regard.

If a man desires to have good communications (morally or theologically), he needs to have companions that fit the bill in that regard. Anything less will lead to a reversion. On the other hand, when we see a brother who is trying to do better, may we lend a helping hand to encourage him on his path. Perhaps he may not even look interested in what is going on, like my younger just sitting there looking around. Yet, as soon as the older brings something to her, his interest in it makes it interesting to her. May our interest in this unspeakable gift be interesting to those that are just sitting there looking around.

At the start of this little writing, we mentioned that we cannot control the "smallest" of things around us, but there was one area of endeavor that we can seek to latch onto as much as possible: become masters at. (I Corinthians 3:10) If we are going to "pick up" things from our companions anyway, let us choose good ones to associate with. May our ties of the world be bound with moral, godly people. May our ties of the church be bound with sound, orderly saints. We may be too ill physically to do the natural things we are accustomed to doing, or the weather may forbid us from engaging in some activity that we had planned. Yet, no matter the physical condition or weather situation, we are always able to call upon the Lord out of a pure heart fervently, and seek His guidance and counsel in the study of His word. These endeavors are made easier with good companionship, and the end result will be a good home, abode, dwelling, and way of life that
leads to godliness with contentment, which is great gain. (I Timothy 6:6)



In Hope,

Bro Philip