Isaiah - Verse By Verse | Walking through Ephesians

Walking through Ephesians - Day 105

versebyverse | February 29, 2008 21:57

Thought: To me, our Christian lives would be much more "successful" spiritually if we broke away from all evil associations.

Question: Am I spending time with the wrong people?

Scripture: Ephesians: 5:7 (NIV): "Therefore do not be partakers with them."

Do not be partakers with whom? The disobedient ones. The immoral, impure, greedy and idolatrous people who are characterized by dirty talk and ungrateful attitudes. And what does it mean to be a "partaker" with them? The clearly obvious answer is do not "take part" in what they do. First, do not enter into any contractual agreements, such as a marriage or business partnership. Secondly, I believe, Christians should be careful whom they consider their closest friends; with whom are you sharing your time and your activities?

Separation is a by-word of Christian living. Yes, Christ has done all the work of cleansing and saving and we cannot exert any effort toward that work, but we do have a job, a difficult work. It is to forcibly avoid evil; it is to not listen to deceiving talk, it is to not "partake with" people who are clearly disobedient to God and it is to walk "circumspectly", that is, looking all around to see the best way, (His way), to go. We are to leave off the former ways, the worldly ways, the "old man." We cannot companion with unbelievers, and deceiving ones at that, partaking in their efforts. We cannot be involved with disobedient "Christians" either.

Prayer: Holy God, show me from whom I need to separate in this evil world. For Your glory, I pray! Amen.