"I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world,

but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil."

                                                                                          - John 17:15

       John made a very interesting statement when he said, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15). I say it is "interesting," because the Greek word for LOVE is AGAPAO, which is the verb usage for AGAPE. AGAPE is a word that best describes the love of God. It is a love that genders a sense of value in a person where it esteems and prizes them as precious. It is the highest form of love, and in its purest form, it is not only unconditional, but sacrificial. So, how could such a thing occur, where a believer actually has AGAPE for the world or the things that are in the world?

       In James' letter he states, "Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God" (James 4:4). That seems to suggest something very similar to John statement, that God and the world are so opposite to each other that not only do they "not" agree, but that they are in opposition to each other. Jesus said, "You cannot serve two masters: either you will love the one and hate the other, or you will hold to the one and despise the other" (Matt. 6:24).

       This is the basis for living a separated life. It all starts within the heart - where your true allegiance lies. You should stop and ask yourself the question: "What draws my attention?" "Where do I go to find fulfillment?" "What is it that holds my affection? "If I had to decide today what my value system was, what would I consider most important in my life?" I think the facts that are discovered with such things as these will help to define whether we are living a separated life or not.   I would have to say that on the basis of how a person views their affection of the world or the things that are in the world, is the measuring stick that determines a person's true love for God!

       Jesus taught us that a believer is in the world, but is not of the world. That means that the basis of our origin is not determined by our natural birth, but our spiritual birth. Paul said, "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus..." (1 Cor. 1:30). John said it this way: "But ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world; therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God..." (1 John 4:4-6). Literally, this means that the moment you became born again you were loosed from your ties to this world. You were separated by a work called sanctification. In that process your life began afresh. You were no longer the person you use to be. You became a new creature. That means you were born from above. Your origin is from heaven. Your life is the life of heaven. You have nothing in common with this world's system any longer. For anyone to find a place in their heart to love this world is paramount to disowning their heavenly citizenship. God detached you in every sense of the word from this world, so why would you think it necessary to become reattached to a system and lifestyle that opposes everything you stand for!  Your whole life is now founded upon your union with Christ, don't seek to nourish it by entertaining a love for the world. How long do you think a plant would live if you feed it oil instead of water?

       Colossians, chapter three is a favorite of mind. It says, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:1-3). You are to be dead to the world. If therefore, you are dead to it, then how can you find a reason to be in love with it?

       Second Corinthians chapter six follows the amazing passage of how God made us one with Christ. In this chapter, he brings to bear the argument that every true believer should hold. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Cor. 6:14-18). There is a divine separation that began the moment you accepted Christ. Now you must bring it to completion by choosing every day to live a separated life.