A scoffer is defined as one who mocks, ridicules, or scorns the belief of another. They’re everywhere: the classrooms, the printed media, radio, TV, our homes, on the job, etc. And sadly, these scoffers will only increase as the day of our Lord draws closer.

Scoffers relish the idea that there isn’t a God or His word to believe. Furthermore, they attempt to enlist others to join them in their disbelief, as they actively ridicule us for ours. They do this, disavowing God’s existence, so that they may continue in their dark ways (Jude 1: 18).

When we find ourselves engaged with these people, it would be better for us to dismiss ourselves from their intimate company. Friendship with them is friendship with the world. That’s a dangerous relationship because oftentimes we figure that with enough time, our Christianity will rub off on them. Oftentimes, that’s not the outcome. It’s the reverse.

It’s best if we follow God’s wisdom in these matters. Proverbs 13: 20 says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” In other words, our faith can be negatively affected.

That’s why it’s so important; that though we’re in the world, we don’t be of it. We have to learn (I’m especially preaching to myself) to stay in and walk in God. Let Him be our insulation. Sure, we want to mingle with people. In fact, we have to in order to minister and witness to them.

But we must not compromise worldliness and godliness. If we sense there might be some hope for them, then be with them, but not of them, as we let our good works shine before them, that they may know that our works come from God. In this way is the possibility of rubbing off on them. Otherwise, walk away.

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How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! Psalm 1: 1