These words written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of the Spirit of God were told to more than just one church of his time, and some epistles even have him saying it more than once to the same audience. I am not going to say that because "scripture says it more than once it must be important", as I view it all important; but I do have to say that in this case, Paul seemed to urge this command as a matter of utmost importance. Why is it such an urgent matter for him to keep reminding and encouraging us as the body of Christ to not be like the world? Does this mean we should be sheltered our whole lives or live under a rock until our last day? What exactly is meant by living separately from the world and how do we do this effectively? Lastly, if this is such an important part of the Christian life, then why is it so often neglected, even frowned upon, by professing believers?
Mental note: I personally am convinced that the apostle Paul would be disgusted with modern American Christianity, for more reasons than just this one, but this being a main one.
I feel so much as an alien or... just some weird person as I engage culture. I just don't feel that I belong here sometimes. I feel that another thing Paul addresses, being heavenly minded instead of worldly minded, is a factor here. I constantly have my head in the clouds, but others around me can be on the ground pulling me in all ways. I wonder sometimes if I am just a weirdo and that I should lighten up, but the Spirit reminds me of the many references to be different from the world, to be heavenly minded, and that I am not of this world. So in a sense, I am a weirdo!
Yet, it is a great thing. By these concerns and thoughts I see the redemptive work of God in my life and know I am just being sanctified in Christ, where my life is hidden.
For to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
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