And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15

There is a lot of truth in the old saying…”lay with dogs and you will get fleas.” Sad but true, negative and bad people can affect the good and positive people of this world. Its important to distance one self from those who can have damaging effects on a person’s character and behavior traits. When we separate ourselves from them, it says that you aren’t interested in their agenda and refuse to allow them to influence you.

I’m sure if you think long and hard, there are probably people in your life at work, organizations, social functions, even in your church who aren’t following God’s standards of living. They have their own agenda and want to involve as many as possible, which makes their sin less obvious. There is strength in numbers. Don’t be one of their numbers. Even God Himself had to turn away from His people…”But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none with Me. So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels.” Psalm 81:11-12

So what can you do about them? Pray from a distance. Let God work in their life through isolation and conviction. Sometimes God clears the field of the disobedient so there is no one left but God and that person. God often uses painful things to get His children’s attention. Its all part of the disciplining process. You don’t want to be a part of that, so keep your distance! God bless!