Separation (2 Cor 6:17)

The meaning of to separate is to set or keep apart, to disconnect, to go different ways or to live apart by choice. To a Christian, “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people that ye should show forth the praises of him who have called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). We are a set apart or called out people, “I have chosen you out of the world” (John 14:19).

As a football coach, I prepare my team towards any competition at a camp; at the camp the players have to avoid so many things. Brethren, we are in the Christian camp now in order to train, win and share the joy of the coming kingdom. “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain and every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air, but I keep under my body and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means when I have preached to others I myself should be a castaway” (1 Cor 9:24-27).

What kind of words do people we meet, hear from us? Do we speak as those with constant hope of the coming kingdom? Jesus said, “That which comes out of the man, that defileth the man” (Mark 7:20-23). Yes, we can read and quote the words by heart and preach, to people but if our life does not conform to what we say, that means our baptism and hope of the kingdom are in vain. “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints. Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting which are not convenient but rather giving of thanks” (Eph 5:1-8). “--and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness --- Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Eph 4:24-29).

Brethren, let us control our tongues in order to inherit the fast approaching Kingdom to all who love the truth.

Bro Uka Egwu (Ohafia, Nigeria)