Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. Joshua 23:7

Successful business leaders are very careful as to who they hang around with. They do not want to be around people who do not work or cannot bring them success to their business. All that occur in being around such people is bring them down or get them on the wrong track, harming their business and success.

Focus is on what is needed to be successful.

Joshua reminds the people to not associate with the nations around them. They are to not seek, serve, worship or talk about their false gods.

Many believers, in theory, seek to be friends with the world in order to be a witness to the world. However, in reality, many believers that become friends with the world end up becoming more like the world. The characteristics and beliefs of the world are allowed to rub off on the believer.

It is common for some believers to talk about the gods of the world so much that they end up serving those gods. Too many in the church look more like the world than they look like Jesus. And many do not care.

Every believer is called to be separate, different from the world. None are to believe in the gods of this world, gods of pride, alcohol, greed, wealth, jealousy, porn, illegitimate sex, gossip and any other sins.

Jesus was among the world, but He did not become like the world. Though the temptation was there, Jesus never bowed down to the false gods of this world. He called people out of their lives of sin and death unto an eternal life. Believers are to live in the same way.

Ask yourself who has the greatest influence on you in your life. This can be seen in who you choose to hang around with on a regular basis. Surround yourself with people who serve God so that you can be built up to be a witness of who Jesus is.

Go into the world to be a witness, but do not allow yourself to be like the world. Being like the world is not being a witness, but is walking away from God and disobeying God.

Who are you associating with on a regular basis?

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will be a true witness for Jesus to the world; that God will help you not be influenced by the fallen world; that God will give you strength to flee all sin; and that you will serve God alone.