Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

I Corinthians 15:33

Lyle: Well - hello.

Sam: Am I glad to see you!

Lyle: (sits) Why's that?

Sam: Oh, I have a tough decision to make, and I need your advice.

Lyle: You think so? (absentmindedly scratches side of head)

Sam: Yeah, you see - I've been invited to this party at Tom's house…

Lyle: And you don't think you should go? (taps right foot four or five times)

Sam: I'd like to. I think I should be able to.

Lyle: You think so? (absentmindedly scratches side of head)

Sam: I know he listens to some pretty wild music -

Lyle: Yes, I've heard some of it, and I don't think it's honoring to the Lord.

Sam: I know that - but I could go and just not listen to the music - just block it out.

Lyle: You think so? (taps right foot four or five times)

Sam: Yeah - I can get where I hardly even notice it - I just don't pay any attention to it. (slight pause) But there might be alcohol there. . .

Lyle: It doesn't sound good. (rests left foot on top of right knee)

Sam: Yeah, I know what you're thinking - but just think how I could influence them for the Lord -- I might even get a chance to witness to them!

Lyle: You think so? Usually in that type of setting the influence tends to go the other direction. (scratches head again)

Sam: I never thought of that.

Lyle: The Bible tells us to "Enter not into the path of the wicked , and go not in the way of evil men." It also tell us to "Be not deceived : evil communications corrupt good manners . " (taps right foot four or five times)

Sam: I guess I just thought that didn't apply to me. Surely I can go there and not start doing the things that they're doing. (scratches head absentmindedly)

Lyle: You think so? That's just Satan's lie. As humans, we think that we can be around others and not be influence by them. (scratches head absentmindedly) But, the God knows differently, and He tells us in His Word. (taps right foot again)

Sam: Well, it's definitely something to think about. (rests left foot on right ankle, and scratches head) I just didn't realize how much other people could influence me.

Lyle: (standing) Well, if I were you, I would definitely not go to the party. I really believe that the people that you spend time with influence your thoughts and actions. (starts to exit)

Sam: Hm.. (slight pause - scratches head, taps right foot four or five times.) You think so?