"Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children. A mixed multitude went up with them also, and flocks and herds-a great deal of livestock." Exodus 12:37-38

When the children of Israel left Egypt they would not go alone. Those who were not Israelites would go with them. These outsiders did not worship the God of Israel. They would become a virus that would corrupt the Israelites and lead them to pagan worship. The Israelites would discover the hard way that hanging out with the wrong crowd can have devastating consequences.

The Bible is clear that the children of God are not to allow the world to influence them. If we are not careful about whom we hold as friends we may discover quickly that bad company truly does corrupt good character. "Iron sharpens iron", as Christians we are to make friends with other Christians that we may strengthen one another. There is no doubt that we are to be in the world reconciling it back to God. We are ministers of reconciliation! But, we must be very careful who we allow to influence us by becoming part of our inner-circle of friends.

"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?"  

2 Corinthians 6:14