Walk in Wisdom

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · May 5, 1904

To what extent a Christian should associate with those who are without is an important question. To withdraw altogether from those who are not Christians is not the best way. By so doing one will miss many opportunities to do good, and create an unfavorable opinion concerning the religion of Christ. To associate with such persons chiefly or very considerably may be harmful in another direction. Each one must decide for himself. But we are not without important help. Jesus is our example. He went into the house of a Pharisee to eat, and accepted the hospitality of a publican. He attended wedding feasts, and mingled freely with those who were of the earth earthy. But in doing so he never gave the impression that he was worldly minded. Perhaps the chief thing to be considered is our deportment while we are in the company of those who do not believe. If our conversation is exclusively worldly and trifling, we may be sure we are wrong. If we can not carry our religion with us, we are out of place. If we can not manifest our religion among unbelievers in such a way as to commend it, we would be better off in some other company.—Selected.