Paul

December 6

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Light and darkness

Paul told the believers in Corinth not to become partners with those who do things that dishonor God. “Right and wrong cannot be partners, just as light and darkness cannot live together,” he said. “Jesus Christ and the devil can never agree; neither will a Christian and an unbeliever have the same purpose in life.”

God said, “I will make My home with My people and live with them; I will be their God, and they will be My people. You must leave them and be separate from them. Have nothing to do with the sinfulness of the world, and I will accept you.”

How can I keep myself separate from the world?

What does it mean to be separate from the world?  We know that Paul isn’t saying that we should leave this world, because God put us on this earth for a purpose. What Paul means is that we should stay away from things (and people) that draw us away from God.

Jesus, the holy Son of God, also came to this sinful earth—and He was even tempted to do wrong. The devil tried to make all sorts of deals with Jesus by offering Him things that would get Him to agree to his plan. But Jesus did not sin by listening to the devil, so the devil started using the people around Jesus to try and trap Him (see Matthew 22:15).

We live in a sinful world with sinful people. We cannot leave this world to escape sin, nor can we avoid ungodly people. Yet we should be careful not to make close friends with those who want to do bad things. If we choose to spend our time with those who do wrong, we may start doing those same bad things. And if we get into the habit of doing wrong things, how would others see that we are different from unbelievers?

Verse for today

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2a