Expert: Messianic Rabbi Yochanan Levine - 10/27/2010

Question
How does 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 apply to Christians, and our actions? When is the line crossed of being in the world not of it?

Answer
Hi Michael,

Where the "lines" are is a question each of us must answer for ourselves. Christian groups like the Amish maintain strict separation between themselves and others. Other equally sincere Christians prefer to develop interfaith relationships believing that by doing so their "light will shine" and attract others. Some believe its fine to enjoy "worldly entertainment" while other avoid it, some to extremes.

Paul wrote:

Romans 14:14  I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

This gives us a lot of leeway; we are free in God's Love. However consider the next verse, we are also responsible for how we exercise that freedom:

Romans 14:15  But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

Will "mixing with the world" cause others to stumble? If so it is to be avoided. More significantly:

I Corinthians 6:12  All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

Does "mixing with the world" enhance or negate ones spirituality and service to God or hinder it? Does one begin to place his/her faith in the things of the world rather than in the things of God? This is very important to consider. Nothing should come before nor between us and our Master.

James adds:

James 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

To do this one must be "in the world but not of the world." Again, how to do this must be determined individually.

Some people are more susceptible to "worldly influences" than others are. As an example only, it is often very risky for ex-smokers to spend too much time with smokers due to the temptation to join in. This applies to so many areas of possible temptation.  

I think such matters must be determined individually and honestly in consult with the Holy Spirit. As Paul says (paraphrasing), 'when I was a child I thought as a child but when I become a man I put away childish notions'. "Children" need clear rules to follow, "adults" can/should use their wisdom to determine their course.

The question then is how serious are we in walking the Way of God? Not what we can 'get away with'.

It can be stated however that some things are set: we are not to marry un-Believers (if a Believer is already married to a non-Believer or becomes a Believer after marriage etc. one is not to depart from the un-Believer: I Corinthians 7) but one should not date or marry a person who is not a Believer. Likewise one should seek out the company of the Believers and minimize contact with others within reason:

Heb 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

This does not mean one should become a hermit but that we should seek and treasure spiritual friends and relations.

Each of us are to seek the Kingdom of God rather than the things of this world. Whatever advances this is what we should do.

Hope this helps,
~ John of AllFaith