Back To The Bible

A Parrot & Its Peers
     There was a report a few months ago about a pet parrot that spoke with a British accent like his owner. It somehow disappeared from its home and was “lost” for four years. At long last, the parrot and his owner were reunited; but the bird no longer speaks with a British accent, but he has learned to speak Spanish.
     The parrot’s owner says his reunion with Nigel brought tears of joy to his eyes, despite the fact the parrot, named Nigel, bit him when he first tried to pick him up. 

 

“Buenos dias, amigo!”

     The bird has a microchip that eventually enabled the African grey parrot to be returned to its British owner, who lives in Torrance, California. Little is known about the parrot’s whereabouts for four years; but, obviously, it has spent quite a bit of time around someone who speaks Spanish, since that is now what the bird speaks. Of course, the fact the bird now speaks Spanish rather than the Queen’s English is not consequential. But, it does illustrate the power of protracted influence in spiritual areas that are extremely consequential. 
     The Bible has much to say about association and its devastating impact in our lives and upon our souls. In I Corinthians 15:33, Paul writes: “Do not be deceived. Evil company corrupts good habits,” as the New King James renders it. Paul again writes in II Corinthians 6:14-15: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?” And, Ephesians 5:11 says, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather, expose them.” 
     Young people, especially, must be careful to shun the influences of worldly peers who will corrupt them, and they should rather seek their companions from among those who are following Christ. As Paul instructed Timothy, the young preacher was to be an example and a leader, rather than one influenced by the corruptive influence of ungodly peers: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 
     We do need to be careful about our associations, and the story of Nigel reminds us of something far more consequential than a parrot who leaves home speaking English with a British accent and comes home speaking Spanish. We’ve got to make sure we “stay home”—that we do not leave the family of God. We should always appreciate and seek out companionship among those who are going to help us get to heaven, not among those who may lead us astray.
     Questions and/or comments concerning this article written by Jim Dearman who preaches for the White Oak church of Christ in Chattanooga are welcomed. Write us at P.O. Box 206, Dunlap, TN 37327 or call (423) 949-3286 or 949-4339. Free Bible correspondence course available upon request.
Visit With The Dunlap Church of Christ Which Meets At 15964 Rankin Avenue.
Sunday Morning – 9:30,10:30; Sunday Evening – 6:00; Wednesday Evening 6:30
Watch  “Fabric  of  the  Family”  Sunday  At  6:00  A.M. On  WFLI-TV,  Channel  53.
Watch “Good News  For  Today” Sunday  At  6:30 A.M. On WFLI-TV, Channel   53.
Watch “In Search Of The Lord’s Way” Sunday At 7:00 A.M. On WDEF, Channel 12.
Watch  “Preaching  The  Gospel”  Sunday  At  7:30  A.M.  On  WGBN, Channel  11.
The Gospel Broadcast Network Is Channel 11 On The New Bledsoe Cable System.