"BE YE SEPARATE": A Biblical Warning For God's People & The Church

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you," (2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV)

The message is quite clear. It needs no translation. It really needs no explanation. "Be Ye Separate". Frankly, this is a passage of scripture that speaks for itself. However, there are Christians who do not understand the importance of this scripture nor do they feel that this scripture needs to be taken literally or seriously, for that matter. It does not stand up to their "modern-day Christianity". They take the Holy scriptures and sand down the edges to soften the meaning, reshape it, water it down, and are left with a scripture that has been melted and molded to mean what they want it to mean. They are only deceiving themselves. They cannot deceive our all-knowing God. There are so-called Christians who create their own definition for what a "separate" life means and bend it until it fits perfectly in line with their comfortable lifestyle. They can try to convince themselves that they are walking in the right direction, but as long as they are striving to be popular and to fit in as "normal" in this world, their hearts are not right with God. Those who choose to dip their toes in the mire and play with fire, are walking a dangerous path. Yes, we do live in the world, but we do not need to be part of the world. Our hearts should desire the things of God more than the things of the earth.

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:1-2 KJV)

When you follow God, you must put away worldliness and be willing to walk the road less traveled, like Noah and Lot did. Jesus Himself was humble and lowly, He was not popular or accepted in this world. If we are to follow Him, we need to be more like Him. If our King was rejected, we are to be rejected. Otherwise, we are no different than the rest of the world. We need to be different. We need to separate ourselves from the world and the things of the world. When we are born again, it means that we are starting anew. We are born into a fresh and different way of life, a whole new direction. One that is changed. A sincere Christian is happy to put away the things of the world and walk with God. We need to let our light shine brightly so that all who see us may know that we are followers of the King.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16 KJV)

"That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;" (Philippians 2:15 KJV)

As Christians, we are to be good examples, witnesses of God's light and love. We are to walk separately from the rest of the world on a path of faith and truth and goodness. Remember that there may be new and/or struggling believers out there who are watching you closely, learning by your choices, and being guided by your way of life. If how you live does not fall in line with what they read in the bible, they could become discouraged and turned away from religion....because of you. How you choose to live your life does indeed affect others! Only God knows who is affected by your walk.

LOST REVERANCE FOR GOD'S WORD:

Through the years, we have sadly seen many Christians (Pastors and church-goers alike)lose their way due to a gradual lack of reverence for God's Holy Word. They have been carried away by their own scholarly wisdom (thinking that Seminaries, Theology and Doctorates are where it is at!) and have lost touch with the straightforward beauty and simplicity of the scriptures. Becoming "Bible Scholars", they end up having the Bible in their heads but they end up losing it in their hearts.

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof...." - (2 Timothy 3:5 KJV) "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." - (2 Timothy 3:7 KJV)

Many Christians, including pastors and authors, have tried to take the seriousness out of God's Word by watering it down and by also adding a touch of "humor" to lighten it up and to make it seem more appealing and acceptable in today's world. Pastors and church-goers are often found sharing "Christian funnies" and "Christian memes" on their social media. Christian jokes have no place in a real Christian church, in a real Christian home, or in a real Christian heart! This thing called "Christian humor" is something that sours, curdles, and sickens the sincere Christians' stomach. There is no such thing as a good joke where Christianity is concerned.

"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting , which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks." (Ephesians 5:3-4 KJV)

Just recently, we were saddened to witness young Christians using precious passages of scripture on social media as "humorous" pick-up lines for singles. Do these young "Christians" have no fear of God? The Holy Scriptures say that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10 KJV). The Holy Scriptures also say that Jesus is "The Word", which means that when you are laughing at His Word or using His Word in a joke, you are mocking Him directly! The Bible is meant to be taken seriously, not lightly. It is meant to be sharp, not soft and pliable. Like salt on a wound, it may sting but it also heals. When watered down, it loses its effectiveness. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart". (Hebrews 4:12 KJV)

THE CHURCH & THE WORLD:

Very few churches today, only a remnant, are actually adhering to every word found in the King James Version of the Holy Bible. Very few church leaders are preaching the consequences of sin. Instead, they choose to preach feel-good messages about "prosperity" and "loving yourself" to cater to their congregations. The King James Version of the Holy Bible has been deemed as "too old fashioned" and has been replaced with newer, more contemporary versions (perversions!) of the bible, ones that take the Holy Scriptures out of context and change their beautiful meaning altogether!

"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matthew 15:8-9 KJV)

The cold, hard, beat of "Christian rock" and the seductive, sensual rhythms of "Christian pop" music have now crept into the church like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Leading the congregrations to believe that they are "worshipping God", the male musicians stand on stage with their unkempt hair and sloppy appearances and encourage their church "audience" to jump and dance and scream as if they are attending just another concert of the world. The female musicians sing with their promiscuous lilts and are dressed in their "sexy Christian" clothes, beckoning eyes to the unholy movements of their bodies. Gangster-style "Christian rap" has also invaded the church with a bold, blatant entrance and dark, depressing, nerve-grinding "Christian heavy metal" has also slithered into the church like the snake that it is. Directly inspired by Satan (as confessed by many of the singers), this form of music and its swirling smoke and hellfire has no place....ABSOLUTELY NO PLACE.... in the House of God. The Spirit of the Living God and the spirits of evil cannot dwell in the same place at the same time. We must choose one or the other. Not both.

This unholy, unedifying music has now replaced the sweet and simple hymns of faith that, in times gone by, had drawn so many of us Christians closer to our Heavenly Father. Just as there is no such thing as "Christian prostitution" or "Christian adultery" or "Christian robbery", there is no such thing as "Christian rock music", "Christian pop music", "Christian rap music", "Christian heavy metal music". Just because other so-called "Christians" are listening to this type of music and are enjoying it, does not mean that you should too. Remember, you are not serving man, you are serving God. You are not living for yourself, you are living for God. So, if your worship is for God, then make sure that it is holy worship because that is what He wants. We need to bring praise to our King in a way that pleases Him, not in a way that pleases us. We are serving a Holy God, so our lives and our worship time should reflect His goodness, His holiness, His purity, and His Light. It should not reflect the darkness and unholiness of the world around us. We are to worship our Lord in a pure, holy, beautiful, clean, sacred way.

"O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" - (Psalm 96:9 KJV)

These fallen, corrupt churches embrace the things of the world, the ways of the world, the styles of the world. Men are wearing ripped jeans and ball caps while women are wearing cleavage-exposing tops and body-hugging dresses to Sunday service. Casual attire has now replaced the prim and proper dresses and neatly-pressed suits of yesteryear. Church-goers are no longer required to enter the House of God with reverence, honor, praise, clean hearts, morality, and modesty! The church has become the social club with laughter and jokes, the concert hall with jumping up and down and dancing to the harsh so-called "Christian" rock music, and the home of parties and even wine! A place of weekly entertainment. The Holy Spirit is no longer welcome there. The door has been shut on biblical truth and has been locked with a dead-bolt. These apostate churches are walking hand-in-hand with the world....and it is of their own accord!

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (James 4:4 KJV)

THE LIFESTYLE OF A COMPROMISING CHRISTIAN:

Compromising is not only found within so many churches today, but also within so many individual Christian homes as well. These so-called "Christians" are playing the deadly game of "I can live like the world and still go to Heaven"! They want the best of both worlds and justify their worldly lives by saying, "God knows that I am human and that I need to be happy and live a successful life while here on earth". They shamelessly watch all of the modern television programs and go to all of the latest movies, despite the subtle and not-so-subtle sexual references, scenes, messages, and distasteful language. Keep in mind that most of the movies that fall into the "family" category actually contain very questionable material as well and are not suitable for a Christian audience! Use your conscience. Use discretion. Be cautious. Keep it clean. Keep it family-oriented. There are plenty of old movies and old retro television programs that are fit for Christian families to watch. Why settle for anything less than clean, moral, and decent?

So many Christian parents allow violent video games and rebellious worldly music into their homes, not giving a care to the filth that is being fed into the innocent minds of their children and teens! So many Christian hearts have pushed out the Holy Spirit to make room for immoral indulgences, sexual lusts, selfishness, and greed. They shamelessly fill their lives with wine, riches, and secular song! They accept all forms of adultery, twisting God's Word to fit their loose lifestyles. They have become "lovers of their own selves" and "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God".

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV)

Something which never fails to shock and sadden us is the immodest clothing which is worn so shamelessly among those who call themselves "Christians"! Bathing suits and bikinis which sinfully display large portions of body that God NEVER EVER intended the public eye to see, plunging necklines that disgracefully expose the cleavage, crop tops that indecently reveal the naval area....you name it! They have no shame before Almighty God, whose Word distinctly includes an important passage about women dressing modestly and behaving soberly.

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;" (1 Timothy 2:9 KJV)

You can continue to walk with the world and call yourself a "Christian" and you can keep trying to convince yourself that, "if so many other Christians are doing it, it must be right".....but that will not excuse your daily moral choices when the day comes that you stand before The Great Judge, your Creator, and have to give account of your life. Do not follow man. Follow only God. Do not be guided by the decisions of others but rather let God's Word, The Truth, guide you.

QUESTIONS FOR YOU & SCRIPTURES:

Ask yourself these three following questions and give an honest answer.
Read God's Word below each question and apply it to your life.

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1) Do you suffer rejection because of the stands that you take and because you are "not of this world"? Or are you accepted by the world?

"If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." (John 15_19 KJV)

"I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." (John 17:14-15 KJV)

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2) Do you love God with your whole heart? Do you love Him more than you love the things of this world?

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." (1 John 2:15-16 KJV)

"No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:13 KJV)

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3) Does your heart long for success and popularity in this world? Do you love money, luxury vacations, costly clothing, large homes, wine, and lavish parties? Or do you flee from these things and cling close to the things of God?

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:" (1 Timothy 6:6-14)

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WALKING SEPARATELY:

If you are reading this and something deep within your heart is telling you that you are not walking "the separate life", it is time that you devote yourself to earnest prayer and scripture reading. Please do not wait another moment. Ask God to open your mind, your heart, your eyes to His Truth. Ask for Him to help you let go of the things of this world and to grasp on to the things that matter most. Ask for Him to help bring back the purifying "salt" and "savour" in your life.

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." (Matthew 5:13 KJV)

And a word of warning for those who are content to love God only at a distance, while mingling with the world, and living a secular life...

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21 KJV) "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:13-14 KJV)

Friend, we care about you. Keep in mind that it is not our intention to "judge" other Christians but to use God's Holy Scriptures as a means of "correction" in a world where wrong has become right and right has become wrong.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV)

FIND A GOOD CHURCH:

Be careful of the company that you keep. If your church is walking with the world, it is time to walk away from that church.

In this day and age, a good church is hard to find. Ask for God's guidance in finding a church that preaches the true gospel, a biblically sound doctrine. Ask God for wisdom and for discernment in sifting out the good from the bad, the true believers from the false prophets. If you are unable to find a church to attend in your area, do not be discouraged. Where there is no church, there is still a Living God who is Faithful and True. Try forming a small bible study group with one or two other believers or friends. "For where two or three are gathered togeher in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20 KJV) If you are all alone, with no fellow believers to join you, try tuning in to a television ministry or internet-based ministry/community that can provide encouragement. Also, be sure to set aside time for deep earnest prayer and worship time....a time for you and your God. It is not a matter of "where" you serve God, but "how" you serve God. The bible says that God "dwelleth not in temples made with hands" (Acts 17:24 & Acts 7:48 KJV). God's Spirit dwells within your heart. You are the temple of the Most High God. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). Whether you serve Him in a church made with hands or in the privacy of your own home, God is there with you...right where you are. He is omnipresent.

Please see: The Church Walking With The World - a poem by Matilda C. Edwards.

Also, See Related Posts...

Please see: Ready To Meet Him?

Please see: Salvation - How To Be Saved to re-invite God into your heart and re-dedicate your life to Him.

Copyright © Abide In The True Light
Article: "BE YE SEPARATE": A Biblical Warning For God's People & The Church
Published: Monday, March 2, 2015