Being Separated: Part 2
Separation Part 2
Previously we discussed the natural separation that comes when you are saved. Changes of behaviors and actions that are considered common sins (Being Separated: Part 1). Now we are going to talk about the separation from people. This is hard for me because I find myself here in this place of separation. Relationships that we build create ties that are physical and spiritual. If they are not saved, they affect our relationship with God. They influence our walk even when we think we are strong enough to resist.
Leviticus 20:26 reads “And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that you should be mine.”
Our walk with Christ requires us to be separated from people who are not walking with Christ. You’re probably thinking…right, of course we should. But this separation becomes difficult when it's your best friend, boyfriend, your sister, your child…your mom. This separation becomes the reason that people disobey God.
2 Corinthians 6:14- 18
“ 14. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16. And what agreement hath the temple of God with Idols? for we are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2 Thessalonians 3:6
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”
There are examples all throughout the bible where God took his people and made a clear separation. Today is no different.
We read how God called out Abram to be separated (Genesis 12:1). God called Moses to separate the people (Numbers 6: 1) God is calling you/us to be separated too.
God is no respect of person. Christ told the people that his friend, brother, and his mother were those who did the will of his Father (Matthew 12:47-50).
You are probably wondering why? Why would God want me to remove people from my life who love me? Why would God ask me to choose?People assume that God would not ask them to choose (Joshua 24:15-16).
Let’s revisit James 4:4 Friendship with the world is enmity with God. If the people that surround you are not following God, then they are against God. If you are following God and are chosen, then they hate you as they hated Him. John 15: 18-19 What you perceive as love, God does not.
What you define as love should align with the Word of God. (1 John 2:15-17) You cannot love the world and God.
You can not walk with someone unless you agree (Amos 3:3)
Who you surround yourself with influences your behavior, your beliefs, your actions, your viewpoints (1 Corinthians 15:33)
I cried writing this. This is not easy. Sometimes I feel alone and sad. But our emotions can not supersede what God asks of us. We must sacrifice and choose obedience over how we feel every time. I heard God ask me to consider…the sacrifice that he made for me.
Everything that God asks us to do is good. For his thoughts towards us are good and to an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). So even when it hurts, you must follow his will. Even when its hard, you must follow his will. Even when you are asked to separate from someone you love, you must. Consider.
with love,
SOS