MONDAY October 19, 2026

Running Against the Tide

In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.
1 Peter 4:4

Once you become a Christian, and you no longer participate in drugs and drinking with your worldly friends, they will begin to take note. They will find it very strange that you no longer want to run with them in the same flood of dissipation. The word dissipation means “dissolute or riotous conduct.” In other words, you are refusing to go with them to bars, clubs and raves to get drunk, take drugs, and have casual sex.

What often happens is that some of your friends will turn against you and begin to speak evil of you. When they observe your changed life, they will talk behind your back and mock you. Why? You made the right decision to obey God’s Word and not to follow them. As you stand against the tide and refuse to follow the flow of sinful behavior of your worldly friends, God will bless you. Be encouraged by what Psalm 1:1-2 teaches:

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.

Stand strong when your worldly friends make fun of you. Let it be; who cares what they have to say? The Bible tells us: ...If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). When people have tried to defame my character, I am reminded of what Chuck Smith taught me: “Let God defend you, do not defend yourself, and just keep living your life for Christ.” This is exactly what I have done all my life.

What are the blessings of living a godly life?

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper (Psalm 1:3).

Listen, you are going to live a prosperous life; it is your worldly friends who are in need of God’s grace and mercy. Pray for their salvation.

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalm 1:6

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!