Separation of light from darkness is a command of God from the very beginning of Scripture. God divided the light from the darkness. The very word "separate" in II Corinthians 6:17 is the Greek word "aphorize", from which we get our word horizon. That's where darkness and light are divided. It means literally to be marked off by boundaries.
The very word "church" means a called out body. We are called to be separate, marked off as different from the world.
We are commanded to separate from unbelievers to come out from among them. We are not to be unequally yoked together with them. We must not marry an unbeliever....to do so is to be unequally yoked. We must not link up in spiritual endeavors with those who are not saved. To do so sends a mixed signal of what we stand for and what we believe.
Matthew 10:34 "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." It is not popular to take a stand for separation but I can tell you that God's Word is full of warnings about it. Are you living a separated Christian life or do you live daily leaving people to wonder who you are serving and what you believe?
4 comments:
Hey Julie!
Just stopping by! :) Yes, alot of Christians forget that the people of God should strive to be holy (separate from sin). They try to pick up practices that should never be associated with God's children. It's very clear in His word that we can't disobey His commandments just to fit in!
Another thing that Christians sometimes forget is that, while living different lives, we are still living in the world. We won't be able to be completely separate in every walk of life. That is why God commands us to be lights.. letting the light and love of Jesus shine through us in every action! Our attitudes (cheerfulness, being filled with the spirit, and contentment) can make more of a statement of our difference than anything else.
For example, I am not separated from non-believers in the sense I work with them, and serve customers daily at a pharmacy. However, my co-workers are constantly asking me why I'm always so smiley and cheerful. It gives me a great opportunity to share what's DIFFERENT about my life! :) It's great to be different in the right way! :) God has given me many chances to share how He can change a life. And for that.. I smile even more!! :)
happyreagan77...thank you so much for stopping by. Thank you also for leaving your comment. You are so right about being a light to this lost world. I also work and God uses me often to be a light and a witness to my co-workers. I'm always telling them to smile if they aren't...and it has allowed me to be able to tell them that I have much to smile about when they ask me.
Thank the Lord for the simple ways He chooses to use us to be a light to the lost.
Thank you again for your comment. I hope you come back here again.
My pastor has been speaking on this on Wedn. evenings. Oh things have become so muddled and fuzzy amongst Christians...so lukewarm. I am sure that it grieves the Lord.
I know I sure have areas to work on.
Deby
Sis. Deby...I think we can all say that we have areas we need to work on.
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