From the Book, Rules For Life: According To Jesus

9. Avoid Bad Influences 

“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.  And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”

Matthew 5:27-30

Do you think that Jesus is promoting self-mutilation here? I don’t think so. I think that He is telling us to remove those things in our life—however much it may hurt—that cause us to sin.  Computer causing you to see things you ought not see? Toss it in the trash (or disconnect from the internet, if you can’t control yourself). Cable channel causing you to sin? Disconnect from the service, or develop some self-control and avoid images and programs that stir lust or other harmful feelings within you. Getting all worked up about politics? Beginning to hate the “other party”? Lay off the news for a while, until your peace returns to you.

This isn’t all that complicated; any child can understand that if something is a bad influence on you, toss it out. 

Got a toxic relationship? Be careful here—is it a parent, a sibling, or a spouse? Not all relationships can be easily ended. However, I think that Jesus is clearly showing us how important it is to remedy the toxic situation. And make sure that you aren’t the toxic one. What did Paul say about bad relationships with friends? 

“Bad company corrupts good character.”  Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. 
(1 Corinthians 15:33-34, partial quote)

Well, it may be difficult to remove all evil influences in our lives. After all, we are living in a fallen world. In fact, removing all evil around us is impossible. But for those things that we have control over, we must remove those things that cause us to sin. 

Addiction: You know when you have it. You may not admit it, but when something calls to you day after day you need to take a long, hard look at what it is doing to you. Over eating, getting drunk, getting high, needing more and more and more of anything that would normally be “good”… you know what I’m talking about. Get help if you must. Get away from friends or family that lure you into bad situations that aren’t good for you. If you want victory in your life over harmful things, you MUST get free!

One bad influence in the world is the enemy of man—the devil (Satan) and his demonic horde. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.  Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Don’t give the devil a foothold in your life. (Eph. 4) Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. (James 4)

Previous – Live Righteously Before Men | Next – Stay On The Narrow Path

Sections in this study:
Introduction
1: Repent
2: Be Born Again
3: Place God First
4: Love and Serve One Another
5: Live By Faith
6: Forgive Others
7: Remain in Jesus
8: Live Righteously Before Men
9: Avoid Bad Influences
10: Stay On The Narrow Path
11: Do Not Return Evil With Evil
12: Give More Than Is Demanded
13: Love Your Enemies
14: Check Your Motives
15: Pray Simply
16: Do Not Worry
17: Store Up Treasures In Heaven
18: Do Not Be Judgmental
19: Guard what is Sacred
20: Care For Those In Distress
21: Do Not Swear Oaths
22: Watch out for false prophets
23: Exercise Spiritual Power
24: Have Childlike Faith
25: Do Not Exalt Yourself
26: Settle Disputes Quickly
27: Settle Disputes Between Believers
28: Do not Oppose Brethren
29: Remember Me
30: Be Merciful
31: Make Disciples
32: Be Ready
33: Obey Jesus’ Commands
Closing Comments