Oil and Water

“Walk with the wise and become wise, walk with fools and get in trouble.” (Proverbs 13:20 NLT)

Stir vigorously, whip with a whisk, mix with a mixer. No matter your technique or your resolve to blend oil and water, the two substances cannot meld—never. Momentarily, just for a few seconds, the two liquids combine but quickly separate because they are opposites; their chemistry is different, so they resist each other. This resistance of opposites should have the same effect on some acquaintances and friendships.

As Christ-following believers, Jesus commands us to minister to a lost and dying world and those believers who strayed from God’s care, needing re-direction. But Scripture warns us: “. . .Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NLT). Minister in the name of Jesus but beware of temptation’s “blending in” pitfall to reach their salvation or restoration goals.

A “coming together” should never happen among God’s people who embrace and live by His commands with others living contrary to them, embracing world values. Opinions are immaterial—stand with God, no matter what fallout happens due to your stance: “For if ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. On their part, He is evil spoken of, but on your part, He is glorified.” “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” “Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (1 Peter 4:14, 16, 19).