"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers. in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Tim. 4:12

Did you ever hear the saying, "You are known by the company you keep"? It is true. People consider your associates when they form opinions of you. If you affiliate with the "baser sort of lewd fellows" (Acts 17:5), you will probably pick up their bad habits whether you intended to or not. When you mingle with friends who use bad language, or listen to it on television or movies, you will find yourself beginning to think dirty words and later on saying them. Have you chosen your friends by how you think they look? Have you only picked out people you think are cute? Do they try to act cool and tough? Or do you pal around with other grace believers who share similar convictions and doctrines with you? The Bible teaches us in 2 Cor 6:14, "Be ye not unequally yoked to get her with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" The people you hang out with show whether you obey that verse or not. Don*t be linked with carnally-minded friends.

We find biblical principals in Psa. l.1. "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." You should not pattern your values from bad examples set by followers of this world. God instructs us in Titus 2:12, "Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." Let*s select individuals who make good role models of Christian virtues. Let*s spend our time in fellowship with saints of like precious faith. When you are in a group, make it a point to initiate some spiritual conversation. This will strengthen your testimony and bold witness for the Lord who saved you.