Scripture teaches that believers should be mindful of their influence and the company they keep. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, the apostle Paul warns against behaviors that are contrary to God's will, while Galatians 1:10 cautions against seeking to please people rather than God. As followers of Christ, we are called to let our light shine before others, as seen in Matthew 5:16, but we must also be careful not to stumble into situations that could lead us away from God's path, as illustrated in Matthew 16:23. By being good stewards of the flock, as encouraged in Acts 20:28, we can make wise choices about our social interactions.
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Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.
Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel,
then exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place the LORD your God will choose. Then you may spend the money on anything you desire: cattle, sheep, wine, strong drink, or anything you wish. You are to feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice with your household.
But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.
God also told Moses, “I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by My name the LORD I did not make Myself known to them.