TheDiscipleMd

I’ve always firmly believed that little good comes from being in improper places, even if our intentions are honorable. I know we are admonished to seek out those in both temporal and spiritual need, but I remember one friend who rationalized that since Christ associated with the sinners it meant that we should do the same.

The friend who rationalized such a decision to do so opened himself up to the enticing of the adversary. Sadly, he was not Jesus Christ, and socializing in the “sinners’ den” soon overcame him, and he ended up abandoning his faith. A wiser person is one who stays away from such places while providing an example to others. I believe that we can still love others while maintaining high standards.

Once, near the end of my Senior year of high school, when cool parties were so prevalent, the most fabulous party of all happened at one of the cool kids’ houses. It is often the case that ‘uncool’ things happen at such parties, including harmful drugs and alcohol consumption, as well as some immoral activities.  A distant friend of mine had attended this party and was standing around with a bunch of kids at said party when he overheard a conversation between two guys. One said to the other,  “Wow, anybody who is anybody is here at this party!” The other kid said, “Scott Stephenson is not here!”   The reply back was, “He doesn’t need to be here, he gets high on life!”

That experience taught me a great lesson! We can make a difference even if we are not in the same room as others. I believe we can associate and help all we come into contact with,  be they saints or sinners.’ However, I think that this can be done without putting ourselves in harm’s way! We can bless the lives of others by reaching out and lifting them out of places where the spirit doesn’t dwell while still standing in holy places! Others can do the same for us. Most often, those are our parents and family members who genuinely love us and want the best for our lives. When we stand in “Holy Places,” we not only send a message about where we are comfortable, but we send a message about where we are not!