A Thought on Separation

Some Christians, especially strict Baptists, preach on separation. Usually that entails outward manifestations, like not going to movies, not listening to rock, including Christian contemporary music, and not dressing immodestly.

A good moral life that sets an example is to be commended. But if it’s done out of an attitude of legalism, how is it different than any other religion? Any religion worth its salt promotes morality and clean living.

I believe it was C. S. Lewis who put forth the idea that, even the devil wants us to do good. He just wants us to do it without Christ.

I once read a statement by a Christian writer who quoted a simple, but profound truth. He said it’s not what we’re separated from, but what–or Who–we’re separated to. This, of course, means being separated or devoted to Christ.

If we’re truly separated unto Christ, all else will find its proper place.

Deuteronomy 6:5 says,

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Micah 6:8 tells us,

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Finally, consider 1 John 2:15-17.

15. 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.
16. 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.
17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.