Be Different

Father, this world is a crazy place and I need Your strength to step up and BE the difference. Help me to hear from Your Word today. Speak to my heart. Amen.

2 Corinthians 6:16-18 “I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. ‘Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. ‘And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,’ Says the Lord Almighty.”

God has always intended for His children to be separate from the world. It is a continual call from God to His people throughout the Old and New Testaments. He said, "Come out from their midst", and He gave them a promise. IF they would separate themselves from the ways of the world, love Him and keep His Word, He WOULD walk among them, dwell with them, and be their God. He desires to have a close relationship with us. He asks us to do one thing. Be different!

In His Word, God shows us what is right and what is wrong. He reveals His character and allows us to see all the goodness, righteousness, love, forgiveness, mercy, joy, peace, etc., that He will bring to our lives IF we will separate ourselves from the thoughts and deeds of the world. Does that mean I have to live like a hermit, secluded from everyone? Absolutely not. In John 17 Jesus prayed for us, those who would believe in His name.  In verse 15 He said to the Father, “I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil (one).” There is evil in this world, and we will have choices to make (Romans 16:19). We can give in to evil, OR we can surrender our hearts to God, draw close to Him, be different, and make godly choices. Once we decide, God keeps His promise! He will be our God.

What a wonderful God we serve! He is able to do more than we could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). He will be our God! That is awesome. He is with us. He will walk with us throughout the day. He will catch us when we fall. He will forgive us. Wow!! Let's surrender to Him today, separate ourselves from the world, and never look back!!

Verses for your instruction and encouragement:

John 14:23;  1 Cor. 10:21; 3:16; 6:19;  Matt 6:16;  Ex 29:45;  Lev 26:11-12; Ez. 37:27;  Ex 25:8