There’s not many of us who would deny that a degree of separation from the world is important in the life of a believer. There’s a plethora of Scriptures that can be used to back up this point — so there’s hardly an argument. No, when looking at the issue of separation, it isn’t really the idea of separation that can be confusing, but rather the extent of separation that is necessary.
When the apostle Paul quoted from the prophet Isaiah and wrote, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor 6:17-18) — exactly how separate did he mean? Was he calling us to repudiate any possible connection to the world? Was he calling us to shun our jobs among this world’s inhabitants and to live in the monasteries as the followers of the apostasy? What exactly is the separation for which the Lord Jesus and his Father are looking?
It is with this question in mind that this special edition of the magazine was written. All of the articles herein are about separation from the world — and essentially fall into four sections. The First Section is issues of separation that are sometimes very subtle. While no one would try to defend alcohol abuse and say that it is something that should be one of the characteristics of a believer, what about the watching of sensual movies? Or perhaps listening to explicit music? Thus, there are a number of articles in this magazine which cover topics like music, television, sports, and modesty. All of these articles have been carefully written and their points have been carefully considered — in hopes that they will present a Biblical and balanced viewpoint. May you find them to be helpful. The Second Section, our citizenship, concerns our attitude that we are truly not of this world: voting, politics, trade unions etc. The Third Section is wrestling with the flesh — the types of addictions to which we develop dependencies, such as alcohol or pornography. It is hoped that the articles relating to addictions may direct you, or someone you know, towards resources that can help them as they struggle against themselves. Finally, the last type of articles concerns Biblical Solutions to this issue of separation. Separation from the world is a complex task — because even if we were to remove ourselves entirely from the people around us, we would still find sin inside. This last section will seek to give practical ideas as to how a heart might be renewed.
In reading these articles, may all of us be brought closer to the Father — and further from the world. We haven’t simply been called to be separate. We’ve been called to follow the example of the great and awe-inspiring Ruler of all that we can see and know:
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Pet 1:15-16).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One