Q.	I want to be a Christian influence on my ungodly friends. But in my effort to change them, they start changing me. How can I stop that from happening? Bethany, 12 Indiana
A.	Your desire to introduce your friends to Jesus Christ is great. He wants Christians to tell the world the good news! But by hanging out with nonChristian friends, you’ve discovered something that’s mentioned over and over in the Bible. First Corinthians 15:33 says it this way, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ ” The Old Testament is filled with stories of God’s chosen people conquering a land, living with the people and then worshipping their false gods—instead of the one true God. If hanging out with your friends is hurting your relationship with Jesus, maybe you shouldn’t spend so much time with them. Pray, read the Bible, start a daily devotional time and talk to your parents or youth leader about how you can grow deeper in your faith. Keep praying for your friends, because only God can soften their hearts to His message. Don’t give up! God can use you to reach your friends with His love. And when He gives you the opportunity, keep this verse in mind: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15).
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