ChristianWalkOnline

Thursday, November 18, 2004

Currently Separated?

The Separated Life

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. - Romans 12:2

If you were to announce a lecture on "The Separated Life" before an average audience in, say, New York City, some might think it had to do with troubled marriages. Even Christians are vague about the biblical teaching on a separated life. It means a life set apart for God, no longer swayed by the pull of worldly attractions and ambitions. In my discussions with Christians across America about the concept of living a separated life, most people have strong opinions on the subject.

I know a man who advocates the idea of having a drink with non-Christians to show them he can be their friend and perhaps to gain an opportunity to witness to them. As a matter of fact, he's had the opportunity to lead people to Christ along the way. He cites the Scripture passage that speaks of becoming all things to all men that by all means we may save some (1 Corinthians 10:22).

The late Paul Little had a different approach. Paul practically lived on the college campus. He was always out there with his shirtsleeves rolled up, mixing in lively discussions with non-Christians. And when one of them would invite him down to the bar to have a drink, he simply thanked them but said he really didn't enjoy that. Would the person like to go to a game the next night--his treat? He kept the lines of communication open, didn't condemn the person, yet didn't participate in something he'd separated himself from.

We don't need to enter into questionable practices with people to show them we're not crazy-headed fanatics. There are many ways to build friendships with non-Christians without doing things we're against.

Prayer

Lord, show me how to follow Your lead of loving sinners without compromising my walk. Amen.

To Ponder

God wants us to show His love to the ungodly.

Taken From The Navigators / Leroy Eims


5:38:59 PM    comment []

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