One Bad Apple!

Scripture Anchors

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
1 Corinthians 15:33 BSB

“Vindicate me, Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Examine me, Lord, and put me to the test; refine my mind and my heart.”
Psalm 26:1–2

The Vitamin

There’s an old saying:
“One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.”

It’s more than a cliché — it’s a spiritual truth.
One person’s negative attitude, rebellious spirit, or sinful behavior can influence an entire group.
And over time, that influence spreads.

The metaphor is ancient.
One ripening apple releases enough ethylene to cause the others to over‑ripen and rot.
Likewise, one rebel, one unrepentant heart, one deceiver can have devastating effects on the character of the godly.

Think back to Genesis.
One serpent’s deception influenced Adam and Eve — and the rot of sin spread to the entire human race.
That’s the power of influence.

This is why Scripture warns us to be careful about who we connect ourselves with.
Friendships, relationships, and associations that carry negative influence can pull even the strongest believer into trouble.

Those who love the Lord will walk in humility and integrity — not in the way that merely seems right.

The Heart Check

• Are you hanging with the wrong person or crowd?
• Are you ignoring the quiet warnings of wisdom?
• Are you being influenced… or are you the one influencing others negatively?
• Are you the “bad apple” in someone else’s barrel?

If so, today is the day to shift.
You can change relationships.
You can change direction.
You can repent and be restored.

The Call to Action

Be mindful of your connections.
Be honest about your influence.
Be willing to make a change.

Whether you need to step away from a bad apple —
or stop being one —
you can do it today. ♥️