The Expectation of Isolation

Last week the focus of my heart centered around the lack of spirituality in the people of God in regards to worldly issues.  As I continue to ponder this perplexing situation, another thoughts infiltrates my thinking.  What happened to the church?  When did we become an invisible entity in the world.  There was a time when although those in the world chose not to follow the ways of God personally, there was a general respect for God and his people.  Today, all that has changed, and no longer is the church relevant in the conversation of right and wrong according to the world’s standards.  In fact, the world has taken an even stronger position in opposition to God and his infallible word.  It’s nothing new to us, all in Christ have experienced this shift away from anything remotely Godly.  The world has labeled the word of God as “antiquated” and all things God are no longer germane in this society.  The question is why is this so?  Before we lay all of the blame at the feet of the world, I believe we need to take a look at our role in this discussion.  In Romans 12, the apostle Paul challenged believers to be transformed from their old ways in the world into a new life in Christ.  In John 17 Jesus prayed for his followers to be left in the world, but protected from the evil one.  In other words, we are to be in the world, but not of the world.  Perhaps that could be a part of the problem.  Many have grabbed hold of Ephesians 5:1 and have decided to ISOLATE themselves from not only the works of darkness, but those in darkness themselves.  But, that is not what Jesus prayed.  He said we are to remain in the world; among the world.  How else will they ever see our light if we are hiding out in our spiritual monasteries.  Our job is to walk among the world as light, and salt.  Therefore, we are to INSULATE ourselves with the word of God, so that we can reach those who are lost.  (continued next week).  Blessings.

~Lamar