Our local car wash has free vacuums with incredibly strong suction. They’re great for cleaning out your car—but they can also quickly suck up things you never intended to lose, like a pen or loose change. The world is a lot like that vacuum. It is always pulling, always drawing, always trying to suck Christians into worldly lifestyles that corrupt, steal joy, and undermine the blessed life Jesus desires for us.
I’ve heard too many Christians say things like, “What can I do? Times have changed. Greater openness and sexuality are just part of life now. It’s everywhere! Do you expect me to live like a monk?” Others say, “You can’t watch TV or movies without sexuality and profanity anymore, so I might as well accept it. I can handle it—it won’t hurt me.” Or, “I work around people who swear, tell dirty jokes, and talk freely about their sexual exploits all the time. It’s part of my daily life, so what difference does it make if I watch it on TV too?”
People who believe they are immune to corrupt influences are deceiving themselves. They have already experienced spiritual setbacks—either knowingly or because their hearts have slowly grown hardened. God’s Word is clear:
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” — 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul gives us a sobering but loving warning:
“For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God… Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light… and find out what pleases the Lord. Have NOTHING to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” — Ephesians 5:3–11 (NIV)
I remember reading passages like this as a young Christian. In a moment, I went from rejoicing that I was saved by Jesus to feeling like I wasn’t saved at all. The standard Paul described felt impossible. I was convinced I could never live up to it.
But let’s be clear: God loves us. The depth of His love, mercy, and grace is beyond comprehension. Condemnation is not His message or His plan. These warnings are not written to crush us but to protect us. They are the loving cry of a Father who knows that what we allow into our minds will make its way into our hearts—and will affect our walk with Him.
Paul was not training us to become condemners of others. He was calling us to become honest self-examiners. What are we allowing into the temple of the Holy Spirit? Are we living on the fence? Living with one foot in the world and one foot in the Kingdom is a spiritual nightmare.
Jesus warned about this condition:
“I know you well—you are neither hot nor cold… since you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth.” — Revelation 3:15–16 (TLB)
And God lovingly calls us back:
“Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” — 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NIV)
I had to learn that I couldn’t follow Jesus halfway. I chose to go all in. Bible reading, prayer, church where God’s Word was taught, serving in some capacity, fellowship with other believers, and living as Christ’s light became my priorities. Together, these became both my strength and my shield. It wasn’t easy—but it was right, and it pleased God.
That’s why Jesus said:
“If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” — Matthew 16:24 (NIV)
You may work or live in an environment filled with ungodly influences—but you don’t have to cave in. You can stand strong. You can be the light. And ten years from now, you’ll look back with gratitude—grateful for God’s mercy, your growth, and the lives you touched.
So don’t get sucked in. Stand out. Shine brightly. Be that light.
“Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of darkness; instead, expose them.” — Ephesians 5:10–11 (NLT)
