Researchers asked students to volunteer for an experiment in which they completed a word-based task. A simple enough job that consisted of constructing grammatically correct sentences from lists of words.
However, unbeknownst to the students, the experiment didn’t care much about their syntax or creativity and it hadn’t ended when they left the room. As the student exited down the corridor, the time it took them to walk down to the exit was measured surreptitiously.
Students whose lists had contained words associated with old age (like retired or wrinkled) walked more slowly, by 13 percent than those whose word lists were neutral. The words they had been exposed to measurably changed the speed at which they walked.
He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:20
I think most of us at times have said it or at least thought it; “I can watch this movie and block out the negative”, “I can play the game with language and violence and filth and it won’t affect me” “I can be around worldly people and not become worldly”.
It doesn’t work that way. Bad company corrupts good morals. Foolish words beget foolish ideas. What we let into our mind, has an influence on our behavior.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
If we want to walk a little better, we need to fill our mind with words, ideas, and people that will do just that!
True, however we must let our light shine. My daughter decided that her children would not be allowed to date anyone that was not a Christian. Her husband of 31 years was not a Christian until after my daughter dated him for a couple of years. We must be very careful when we associate ourselves with non-Christians less we become lost ourselves.
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