The Ground of Separation.

Summary: - While maintaining separation do not disregard Christian grace
and gentleness. We separate only because the Lord says us so.

Introduction:-
What is the basis for such a separated life for a Christian? Is it because he is godly and the others are ungodly? Is it because of his personal merit that he can't do any thing with certain people or things? Such consideration as a foundation for separation is the attitude of Pharisees and it is hypocrisy. It is self - righteousness and pride.

Work of God, not our worth
       The ground of separation must be nothing but God's work on the cross and with in us. Because God has separated us for Himself and commanded us to stay for Him we have to maintain that separation. Psalm.4:3:- “Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself.” Titus.2:14:-“Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”
        My commitment to God demands separation, not my personal worth or character. It is not ‘who am I ‘but ‘who God is' that determines my separation. Not because what I believe or what I hold but because what God has done for / in me, I must separate my self for the Lord.

Word of God, not our godliness
       We can not connect any thing, like our piety or holiness to separation. While maintaining separation pride, arrogance or a holier- than- thou attitude is not worthy for a child of God. Only humbly and quietly we can take a stand saying ‘I can't associate with this, I have to separate, for the Lord commands me so.' There should not be any ruthless response while defending our separation. God's command is, ‘be ye holy for I am holy .' 1 Peter. 1:16. Along with a ‘spirit of separation' we should have a ‘spirit of gentleness'.

Right principle & Right Spirit
       Even then, many may not value our point. They may stamp us as ‘extremist', ‘intolerant', ‘narrow-minded' and ‘exclusive' etc. It will be very difficult for us to keep a definite stand for the Lord in obedience to His word, because of the growing compromising attitude among the born again believers. Nevertheless, if our separation is on right principle, with a right spirit, in obedience to His will, the Lord will see us through, He will honour us.

Conclusion
       Dear believer, we have considered the truth of separation in detail. What is your stand? Ever since you got saved the Lord has set you apart for Himself, for His glory, to uphold His value and word.

       Live such a life—say no to the world and the things of it. Be willing to pay the price to maintain separation. God will bless us and use us. We will experience divine fellowship. He will reward all who pay the cost, take the risk to keep separation - as seen in the lives of Abraham, Moses etc.

> Do you have a separated life?
> Do you have an inclination, a soft corner for this world?
> What are the areas you fail in this aspect? Examine.

NTK