The words you are about to read are the words of a hypocrite. Of course, this is always the case. The wise among you will know this without being told, and even those who did not previously consider it really ought to have done so. It is a thought that you should always have in the back of your mind as you read my articles. I am a sinner preaching against sin, and so I am a hypocrite. But why do I specifically point it out now?
The first reason is because I do not put it out there often enough. I do not wish my readers to have the illusion that I am somehow perfect, or that I perceive myself to be so. But second, I am about to give some advice that I have consistently and reliably failed to apply, and with a heavy price.
It goes without saying that bad company corrupts good habits. We very quickly begin to resemble those who surround us, whether deliberately or not. A faithful Christian may well be shielded from the world, at least to a certain extent, but what about other Christians? When we find Christians who struggle with the same sins, it becomes somewhat comforting. But often for the wrong reasons. We are comfortable around these people because we feel less judged. We become relaxed. Perhaps we have even found a "sin partner". Put simply, we relate to these people, and so in a sense, rejoice in shared iniquity.
Now, I'm not advocating separation within the body. Fellowship is a primary responsibility, and so if two Christians share the same sin, they should still worship together. But that worship should be just that: Worship. We shouldn't be bonding over the fact we both sin the same way. You cuss, I cuss, great. Or rather, not so great. I can't have you cussing around me, or I'll feel more comfortable cussing. I shouldn't be cussing around you, or how will you break the habit? Finding a "mutual sinner", so to speak, is nothing to be pleased about. It should be motivation to fight your weakness, because it's no longer between just you and God. Now, it's between you, God, and your friend.
Therefore, let us first be wary of the company we keep. If a person causes constant temptation, use wisdom to determine what role you should allow them to play in your life. But second, ensure your habits continue to improve. Do not allow the company you keep to threaten your relationship with God, and do not threaten the relationship anyone else has with God. Stay alert, stay wise, stay Godly.