Don’t Let Society Corrupt You 

A person’s environment has a tremendous impact on one’s life. The society in which we live affects each of us. At the very least it affects us all to some degree. In many cases it affects people to a great degree. A corrupt society is a corrupting society. It tends to corrupt those within it. Attitudes slowly change. Moral standards soften. Sin becomes tolerable, then it becomes acceptable. Alexander Pope wrote: “Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, as to be hated needs but to be seen, yet seen to oft, familiar with her face, we first endure, then pity, then embrace.” Yes, a person’s environment really does have a tremendous impact on one’s life.

Bible believers, however, have a counterbalance to the corrupting influences of the world. You see, the Scriptures can help us keep our thinking straight, and our priorities right. In Rom. 12: 2 God says: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” In this sense the Christian is to be a nonconformist! His manner of life is reformed, springing from a transformed or renewed mind. One source of strength for those fighting the corrupting influence of the world, is God’s will found in His written Word. It is the will of God that first works in the heart (renews the mind) to produce this transformation. Psalms 119: 11 says: “Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” That Bible-approved solution to the corrupting influence of a morally bankrupt society will still work. Through study, meditation, and memory, you can put God’s Word into your heart and renew your mind.

One obviously knew what he was talking about when he said: “Unless there is within us that which is above us, we soon yield to that which is about us. My friend God’s Word in your heart will give some fortification and preparation when the temptations of corrupting influences come. Think on these things. 

​

Dennis Abernathy