Saturday, May 17, 2014

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

A Positive Light

1 Corinthians 15:33 "...bad company corrupts good character."

 Today's verse is not just an old cliché. It is very much the truth and actually originated in the Bible. Most read this verse and quickly relate it to someone hanging with the "wrong crowd, but what exactly is the "wrong crowd?" Is it a group that is involved with drugs or violence?

Certainly, that would not be a crowd that I would want myself or my family around. Sadly, the "wrong crowd" could actually be individuals that you encounter on a daily basis ... individuals who have never been in trouble a day in their lives BUT consistently display bad attitudes.  

Have you ever been around someone that was SO negative that you feel discouraged by the end of the conversation!?! In my opinion, people with bad attitudes can be "bad company." Merriam Webster defines "character" as "one of the attributes or features that make up and DISTINGUISH an individual."

Your "character" is not just about your reputation as an upstanding citizen. Your character goes beyond that. Your character is the distinguishing factor of whether you are a positive person or a negative person, a peacemaker or a trouble-maker, a high-achiever or an under-achiever, etc. Your character is a combination of your reputation and the MANNER in which you RESPOND to situations.

Webster defines "corrupt" as "to change from good to bad in morals, MANNERS, or ACTIONS." Consequently, corrupting good character is not just about getting someone to sway from their moral standards. It's also about affecting how a person reacts to life.

I challenge you to surround yourself with positive, uplifting and God-believing people. It can be a matter of life or death who you choose to seek out for advice and allow to speak into your life. Seek out people who believe that with God, ALL things are possible! 

Dear Lord, Help me to always display a good attitude ... to be A POSITIVE LIGHT that guides others to You.   I pray that ALL of my conversations would bring You glory ... would serve as a source of encouragement to those who are downtrodden.

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Reflection:  Would others consider you to be an uplifting person?