Many Christians read Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 and they take that as their cue to separate themselves from everything around them that is not “Christian”. That means that they greatly alter the people they talk to, the type of music they listen to and the type of things they watch on TV. On the surface, there is nothing wrong with this line of thinking. However, I would argue that it is hard for Christians who behave like this to truly have an impact on the world.
Correct me if I am wrong, but as believers, shouldn’t our desire be to make positive changes in the world in the name of Jesus Christ? How can we do that if we do not engage in the things of this world on some level?
Think about it. God is all powerful and almighty. If he wanted to change the world, he could have just waived his hand and made it so. However, in order to have the greatest impact, he sent his son Jesus to be our example.
Jesus hung out with everybody, even sinners. He did not discriminate. See Matthew 9:11, Luke 5:30-32 and Mark 2:16.
Yes, we are called to be set apart, but we are not called to be isolated. Paul gives us good instruction regarding this in 1Corinthians 5:9-13.
It is hard to change something when your are isolated from it. We must be committed to change the world with God’s help. We are the salt of the Earth (Matthew 5:13). Salt can’t change the taste of food unless it is added to the recipe. God’s intention is for us to be part of his grand recipe for the world. I encourage you to spend your time thinking about how you can change the world, instead of thinking about ways to isolate yourself from it.
Please share your thoughts about Christians and their desire to isolate themselves from the rest of the world.
