LEARNING DAILY

 

Matthew 10:34, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.  Jesus

 

There is a way to find the peace that Christ brings. Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace will be discussed tomorrow. Today, I want to try to discuss the importance of separation from evil as we walk the narrow way into eternity in God’s Kingdom because it is essential for God’s people to do this. Actually, the Bible addresses a negative and a positive to this separation. Believers are to separate ourselves morally and spiritually from sin and everything that is contrary to our relationship with Christ, His righteousness, and His Word. At the same time. We must draw near to God by diligently pursuing Him through Bible reading/study, prayer, worship, and serving Him.

 

It is easy to see the results of God’s people failing to turn from sin and idolatry. In the Old Testament, the people of Israel were called to be holy, different, separated from people who did not know Him as their God. Because they were disobedient by intermarriage, worshipping the idols and lived the wicked lifestyles of the people in the Promised Land, God finally sent them into exile in Assyria and Babylon.

 

2 Corinthians 6:17 reminds us that God wants His people to be holy, different, and separated from those who have rejected Him, “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean and I will receive you.” The Believers attitude toward sin and unrighteousness must be one of hatred. We must be aware of the corrupt and evil world system, false doctrine being preached, and the lies being constantly fed to us! We fear God and stand in awe of Him, His majesty, His power and authority over all things.

 

If we do not pursue Him and separate ourselves from the evil in this world, we risk our righteousness, our godly love for others, serving God with an undivided heart and persevering in our faith. I know I am not strong enough to face the evil and unrighteousness in the world in my own strength; without the Holy Spirit in me I would fail every day.

 

If we fail to separate ourselves from the evil and self-centeredness of the world, we eventually fail, losing fellowship with God. I cannot imagine any greater loss than that!

 

But if we separate ourselves as God desires, He draws near to us with His protection, blessings, love, and His peace! There it is – the promise of peace that He gives and the world does not understand. He promises to be everything a good Father should be, to love us as His children and to welcome us into His kingdom for all eternity.