2 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV)
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
God commands us to come out from among evildoers, particularly false brethren for Him to receive us. God calls us to be distinct from the world, warning us against engaging in activities or behaviors that are contrary to His will. This doesn’t mean isolating ourselves physically but rather maintaining a spiritual and moral distinction. We are to live by God’s standards, not the world’s. As believers in Christ, we are called to be different from the rest of the people of the world. Believers are to be markedly different from the unbelievers as light is from darkness. This is part of the price of being a standard, we must stand out and not conform to this world (Romans 12:2). If we separate ourselves from unclean things, God promises to receive us and we will experience His presence and blessings in our lives. Psalm 1:1 reminds us that “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”
It is currently challenging to differentiate between believers and unbelievers, particularly based on behavior. Our world is predominantly influenced by satan. Believers are tempted to pursue personal progress through ungodly concessions. Many people are holding unto Jesus with one hand and the world with the other. How can we explain individuals who claim to have dedicated their lives to Christ but seek advice from a witch doctor or are associated with a secret society? How do we address the contradiction of someone identifying as Christian, and participating in the church choir, while still practicing witchcraft? Some hold the Bible in one hand and embrace witchcraft with the other. In such cases, who are we really deceiving? Many Christians compromise their faith because they want to get married. Some Christians cheat more than the unbelievers while others with access to the treasury have even joined the world in looting. What a shame! We must be on our watch so as not to be overtaken by the subtle advances of the devil, which can shipwreck our faith. 1 Peter 2:9-10 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” The children of God are to stand out in all things, for God has not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. Accepting the responsibility to live a holy life secures our destiny. God’s part is ever ready and settled to help us. God will do His part when we do our part because the Lord does not want the sinners to die in their sins but is always ready to make a way of escape from eternal damnation.
Beloved, what is popular does not make it proper and because the whole world is doing it does not make it right. The standard of God remains sure! Your separation from the crowd guarantees your safety in life. Be determined to be different in character from unbelievers. Decide to give the Word first place in your life and it will separate you from the things of the world and to the things of God. Watch out for the evil deeds of this world and separate yourself from doing them. Come out from among them, separate yourself, and stay away from evil associations that can corrupt your godly nature. Let the ungodly testify that you are superglued to the things of God, as you change the sinful opinion with your Godly character. Today, to make up your mind not to compromise your Christian faith on any issue at all. Stand up for God and God will make you a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. Let your life reflect the values of the Kingdom of God. Be a light in the world, showing others the difference that following Christ makes. Remember, whatever you permit around you will end up influencing you.
O Lord, give me the Grace to be different from the world. Help me to come out clearly for You in Jesus’ Name.