Society's stand on Worldly Association
2/15/1994
Page24
Keep Your Distance When Danger Threatens
We must also be on guard against extended association with worldly people. Perhaps it is a neighbor, a school friend, a workmate, or a business associate. We may reason, ‘He respects the Witnesses, he leads a clean life, and we do talk about the truth occasionally.’ Yet, the experience of others proves that in time we may even find ourselves preferring such worldly company to that of a spiritual brother or sister.
Kingdon Ministry
6/89 Pages1-2
Enjoying Theocratic Association
WHOLESOME ASSOCIATION
5 One cannot walk with God while running in association
with those of the wicked and sick society that approves of everything that God
abhors. The Bible warns: “Bad associations spoil useful habits.”
(1 Cor. 15:33) Some in the congregation may be inclined
to invite worldly acquaintances and unbelieving relatives who have no interest
in the truth to social gatherings, thinking that this will encourage them to
accept the truth. However, is this wise and in harmony with the Scriptures?
6 We have been counseled to be cautious in our dealings
with men of the nations, unbelievers, and ordinary persons. (See the
November 15, 1988, issue of The Watchtower, pages 15-16.) Why
should we have unnecessary social contact with people who still pursue worldly
ways and who have not become worshipers of Jehovah? (2 Cor. 6:14, 15)
Some who are negligent spiritually may seek out others who also hold on to worldly
thinking and ways instead of seeking association with mature Christians who
could help them become strong in the faith. They fail to appreciate that attendance
at social gatherings with worldly, unprincipled people can weaken their faith
and corrupt them.—Compare 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15.