Daily Reading // 2 Corinthians 6:11-18
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to three times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV) Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you."
The first century church, and especially the church in Corinth, had a challenging decision to make. In order to participate fully in the cultural life of Corinth, they would have to violate their relationship with the Lord.
Some of them, certainly, had to end long-standing practices because they were now in conflict with their newfound faith.
Some of them had to pass up otherwise profitable opportunities because of their faith.
Some of them had to end relationships that were not healthy for them.
For most of them, living as Christians in Corinth, would require identification at some point. Living as a Christian in that culture would make them different. It would make them stand out. It would make them go against the flow of popular and acceptable behavior.
It would make them separate. It may even make them feel uncomfortable, or different, or even persecuted.
Guess what? We are not just talking about the church in Corinth anymore. We are talking about the church in the U.S.A. and every other place. There will always be a ‘come out from among them and be separate’ calling to the Christ follower. There always has been.
What may feel like persecution may just be separation.
So many people cling so hard to having a Christian culture which requires no separation. I’m not sure that’s possible. I’m not sure that’s biblical.
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Jesus, Give me strength for today. Strength for the day in which I am living. Strength to separate whenever and wherever separation is necessary. Amen!
Tomorrow’s reading -> 2 Corinthians 7:1-7
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