Can the people we spend time with affect us? I was told that if I'm going to be a good Christian I shouldn't spend time with people who don't live right, but they're my friends.

If you have to work with someone who is living a sinful life you can keep your heart and spirit closed and protected. When you choose to spend time with someone who is living a sinful life and choose to be an intimate friend, then that person will affect you negatively.

Notice these two Scriptures:

Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, Lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.
(Prov. 22:24-25 NKJ)

If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!" Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits. Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
(1 Cor. 15:32-34 NKJ)

The Bible teaches us that through the law of association we will become like the ones with whom we spend time. If you spend all your time with people who are living a sinful life, then their ways and practices will begin to rub off on you.

Jesus said if we live right, we will lose friends, but God will give us better friends for every one that we lose. You have to make a decision to go all the way with God!

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