-September 15, 2022-
Good morning, happy Thursday,
“Therefore ‘come out from among them and be separate,’ says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
(2 Corinthians 6:17-18).
The principle of separation from the world began with Israelites in the OT, and continues with believers in Christ in the NT. Separation means to live in the world but not to be of the world. It is directly linked to sanctification, which is to be set apart for the Lord. Both sanctification and separation have to do with our personal holiness.
God wants us to be separated but not isolated. To do this we must not have marriages or close friendships with those who aren’t saved. This includes our kids. We don’t realize how their language, behavior, values, morals, and lifestyle can rub off on us. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’”
God wants us to share the gospel with the unsaved, but on our turf, not theirs. We cannot go where they go or do what they do. It is good to invite them to our homes and to church. We aren’t better than anyone who is unsaved, but we are those who have been saved by grace through faith. We are different and we follow the Lord and live by His Word. 1 Corinthians 6:14 tells us, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?”
Peter wrote, “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). We are a holy people who have the Holy Spirit to teach us the holy Bible. In 1 Corinthians 7:1, Paul said, “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
People in the world want to see genuine Christians, who practice what they preach, and whose lives are different than their own. May the Lord help us to take a stand for Christ without compromise, and show the love of Christ in all we say and do.
Have a blessed day being separate from the world and set apart for the Lord. Stay safe and healthy.
Walking with the Lord and in His steps,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 