The Bible says “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9). In this context, leaven symbolises sin (1 Corinthians 5:7-. The leaven of sin is not necessarily a big substance like some may imagine; more often, it appears little and negligible but has a deadly impact on a person’s life and where he or she would spend eternity.

What then is the leaven that all children of God must not eat even in this dispensation of grace? The simple answer is, “The leaven of sin” and this includes everything that can cause spiritual pollution. This is further explained in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 where we were warned to abstain from all appearances of evil. For us to truly live as God’s people this year, we must not keep the company of sinners (Psalm 1:1). Some of us claim to be born again but delight in the activities of sinners and even encourage them to continue in sin – forgetting that the Bible in Romans 1:32:
Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

The story of a sparrow that kept the company of devouring ravens is a case in point. When he was eventually caught, he tried to convince the farmer who caught him with them that he was not a raven but the farmer said, “You are judged by the company you keep”. Many innocent sisters became victims of rape because they had been keeping the company of ladies of easy virtue. More often than not, they are lured by their so-called friends to attend parties where they fall into the hands of human ravens. This is the reason the Bible says that we should not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. The Bible further admonishes in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 thus:
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Beloved, as you journey through 2022, beware of the leaven of the 21st-century world. Abstain from all appearances of evil.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.