The Bible makes it clear the company we keep makes a big difference. It is specific, “Bad company corrupts good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33).” We hear people who are in trouble say they were in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people. Parents defend their children by saying their child is not bad, but instead, started to spend time with “the wrong crowd.” If you hang out with the wrong crowd long enough, you are likely to become the wrong crowd!
the wrong crowd vs the right crowd
This can lead us to a confusing situation. If we are not supposed to be in company with sinful people, how can we share the Gospel with them? We are also supposed to follow the example of Jesus, who “ate with sinners.” It seems somehow spending time with the “wrong crowd” is actually spending time with the right crowd.
This is a dilemma for many Christians. How can we be “salt and light,” yet not be in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people? We are told to be “in the world, not of the world,” yet also tells us “do not be conformed to the world.” So how can we obey both commands?
Choosing the right boat is critical. It is the foundational step in living for Christ, having Kingdom impact, and being faithful to being both, separate from and engaged in the world.
the boat of righteousness
Consider Noah’s ark (boat) from the Bible. In Noah’s time, “every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time ( Genesis 6:5).” Yet, Noah is referred to as “a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5).” The ark he built was an ark of righteousness through which he, his family, and all life was saved. If we are to live in a world of sin, we must be in the boat of righteousness.
A boat plays a significant part in John Wesley’s testimony as well. On a voyage from England to America, his boat encountered a terrible storm that made Wesley scared for his life. He noticed, however, a group of Moravian Christians who did not seem scared at all. They were praying, worshipping, and singing to God.
If we are to live in this turbulent world, we must be sure we are on the boat of prayer and worship, which keeps us intimately connected to Christ.
Finally, remember the boat the disciples were in with Jesus when a storm began to assail the boat. They thought they were going to die, but remembered Jesus was asleep on board. With one word, Jesus calmed the storm. Jesus who is full of power and authority was not affected by the storm. We must make sure we are in the boat of the One who can sleep during the storm!
Be in the boat of the One who has all power and authority! The only way to navigate the waters of this world, is to be in the grip (boat) of Jesus, whose authority and power are unfailing.
So, be salt, be light, eat with sinners. Have a Kingdom impact. Just make sure you are in the boat of righteousness and that righteousness is never compromised. Make sure you are in the boat of an intimacy with Christ through prayer and worship. Make sure you are surrendered to and depending on His Power and His authority. Be in THAT boat! Pick the Right Boat!
