Separate Yourself From the World

Chuckle: On a highway billboard -- "ILLITERATE? Write for a free brochure!"

Good Quote: "Each of us will one day be judged by our standard of life -- not by our standard of living; by our measure of giving -- not by our measure of wealth; by our simple goodness -- not by our seeming greatness." --William Arthur Ward

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers" (Psalm 1:1 NIV).

The psalmist begins by emphasizing the joys that come to us when we obey God and refuse to listen to those who are out to discredit or ridicule Him. The word "blessed" means happiness of the kind that only God can give -- a state of pleasurable satisfaction. Those who obey God's Word and live holy lives will have this kind of happiness. However, if we choose to habitually associate with ungodly people, this happiness can become threatened by their influence, causing us to drift away from God and become indifferent to His will. When we get to this point we not only become useless to God, but our happiness is drained away.

Friendships are wonderful, but friendships and associations with those who are indifferent to, or openly oppose, God can do you much harm by undermining your faith. God pours out His blessings on those who are holy and remain obedient to Him. Holiness requires separation from the sinful ways of the world. Peter wrote, "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy" (1 Peter 1:14-16 NIV).

Jesus wants us to be in the world but not of (like) the world (John 17:14-19). If we are to be faithful witnesses to those who need Christ, we must love them as Jesus loves them and establish relationships with them while remaining faithful to our Christian principles and conduct.

In the little book of Jude, we find some very clear instructions. "Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren't contaminated by their sins" (Jude 22-23 NLT). The theme of our passages is that we must share the love of Christ with sinful humanity without becoming comfortable in their lifestyles to the point that we become like them, enjoy their company, and adopt their sinful ways.

Love, Jerry & Dotse