The first time my husband went to another country on business, he did not know the culture or the people.
When he arrived, he felt out of place with their customs and lifestyles. As he became accustomed to daily life among the people, he began to pick up their language.
Before long, he was familiar with their life styles, customs and habits as well as their language. Each day he spent in his new environment, he became more comfortable with his new friends.
By the time he left the job site, he was able to converse and was telling jokes with his co-workers. He had even bought some clothing from a local merchant so he looked like he lived there.
The same thing can happen when we spend time with friends who are not with us in Christ. It can be easy to participate in their lifestyle. The more we hang out with worldly friends, the more we begin to make their attitudes our own.
It’s human nature to mimic the speech and attitudes of those we hang out with. This is why we should make sure that our closest friends are friends who share our love for Jesus. (II Corinthians 6:13-15)
We are to be a witness, but if we find it is our life that is changing and not theirs; it’s time to ‘leave the land’. God intends for us to bring them out, not for us to be drawn in. (II Corinthians 6: 16-17)
The scripture says we are to live as aliens and strangers in the world! Don’t allow our minds and hearts to mimic the attitudes and activities of those who don’t love the Lord.
I Peter 2: 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.