A Prayer About Separation

When I wonder about what differentiates me from the world

PRECIOUS SAVIOR,

Many who profess to be your followers easily blend into the culture, with their values and priorities indistinguishable from people around them. Even their morals and ethics—including stances on honesty, marriage, health, and social issues—are similar. But your Word makes clear in both Testaments that believers should be different, that we should “separate” ourselves and stand out. I used to think, mistakenly, that separation from the world simply meant not doing certain activities. I know now, Lord, that while my behavior might change, the crucial differences are much deeper. Christians should be known for loving you with all their hearts, minds, and strength, and loving people, too. Love is the key—you told your disciples in the Upper Room that they would be marked as yours by their love for one another. O Lord, don’t let me take the easy way and settle for fitting in, for all intents and purposes denying my relationship with you by not standing out. I want to be known as different, as someone with God-honoring values and standards, all the while pointing people to you.

Come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 2 Corinthians 6:17