*** w93 8/1 pp. 18-19 Let No One Spoil Your Useful Habits *** 12 Paul would have recognized, though, the potential for "bad associations" in the workplace. We should too. Significantly, Paul quoted an attitude that prevailed among some: "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we are to die." (1 Corinthians 15:32) He immediately followed that with his fatherly counsel: "Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits." How might the workplace and the seeking of enjoyment be linked in creating a potential danger? 13 Christians want to be friendly with workmates, and many experiences bear out how effective this can be in opening the way for giving a witness. A fellow worker could misinterpret friendliness, however, as inviting association in order to have a good time together. He or she might extend a casual invitation to lunch, to a brief stop after work for a drink, or to some recreation on the weekend. This person might appear kind and clean-cut, and the invitation might seem innocent. Yet, Paul advises us: "Do not be misled." 14 Some Christians have been. They gradually developed a relaxed attitude toward association with workmates. Maybe it grew out of a common interest in a sport or a hobby. Or a non-Christian on the job might be exceptionally kind and thoughtful, which led to spending increasing amounts of time with that one, even preferring such company to that of some in the congregation. Then the association might lead to missing just one meeting. It could mean being out late one evening and breaking the pattern of sharing in the field ministry in the morning. It could result in watching a film or a video of a type that the Christian normally would refuse. ‘ Oh, that would never happen to me,’ we might think. But most of those who have been misled may first have responded that way. We need to ask ourselves, ‘Just how determined am I to apply Paul’s counsel?’
I dont read them as an order to stay away from people who do not share my belief. I see the words: extended assoc. getting to close to those who do not cultivate christian princibles, they are WARNING of the dangers that exist. I see nothing wrong in that.
That's because you're still wrapped up in WTthink. That's the way they want you to see it. You've fallen into their trap. They don't order you to stay away, they try to make you feel guilty for associating with "bad" people. They want you to police yourself using their rules.
Instead of allowing you to use your own judgement and senses and decide for yourself who you think is good association or not, they warn against association with all non-JWs.