Myth, 43

~ Christians Shouldn’t Associate With Non-Christians ~

The Fallacy  ~  Jesus Christ’s last command to His followers was has become known as the Great Commission; “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’  Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20).  Clearly this requires involvement with unbelievers. 

Christ’s Example  ~  Throughout Jesus Christ’s life on earth (our role model) He interacted with outcasts and the worst of sinners in His day.  This is seen throughout the four Gospel accounts of His life on earth. 

The Element of Truth  ~  We do tend to become more like the people we associate with.  “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20).  “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).  “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul” (Proverbs 22:24-25).

Reconcile These Facts  ~  Perhaps the easiest way to understand this two-sided coin is the difference between being a friend of pre-Christians versus having a close fellowship with them.  Christ spent some of His time on earth interacting with non-believers but also intentionally having regular fellowship with and teaching His disciples. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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