Biblical Separation Provides a Witness to the World

Jesus prayed that his disciples would be in the world, but not of it. Daniel refused to defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank (Daniel 1:8). Throughout history, God’s people have kept themselves separate from the sins of their society. This has allowed God’s people to be a witness to their world.

Israel was called to be a kingdom of priests, a holy nation that led other nations to God (Exodus 19:6). When Israel was faithful to God, she accomplished this mission. Rahab said, “The fear of you has fallen upon us … our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you.” Why? Because Israel was a powerful nation with a great army? No! Because, “the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath” (Joshua 2:9-11). When Israel was separated to God, she was a testimony to all nations.

We see this principle in the life of Joseph. Because Joseph kept himself separate from the sins of Egypt, he became a witness to Pharaoh. “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” (Genesis 41:38). If Joseph had lived like the Egyptians, he would never have been given the opportunity to be a witness before Pharaoh.

Jesus prayed that his followers would be in, but not of, this world. This phrase has sometimes been misunderstood by Christians who want to live careful, godly lives. They mistakenly think that being in the world is a necessary evil that God’s people must endure on the way to heaven.

However, after rejoicing that his followers are not of the world, Jesus prayed, “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world” (John 17:16-18). Jesus prayed that his followers would serve effectively in the world. Jesus prayed that we would not be of the world while we are being sent into the world. By staying separated from sin, we can fulfill our call to transform the world. As God’s children, we can be salt and light to a sinful world.

The apostles knew that a holy life is a testimony to the world. Peter called believers to live godly lives as a witness to unbelievers:

"Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation" (1 Peter 2:12).

Paul wrote to Titus, the leader of the church on the island of Crete. These believers were surrounded by pagans. Paul told Titus that the Christians must live “so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (Titus 2:10). As Christians lived holy lives, their behavior would adorn the gospel. The behavior of holy people will make the gospel attractive in our world.

Paul called the Christians at Philippi to a godly life. They were to remain separated from sin. They were to be “blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).

As God’s people live holy lives, we shine as lights in the world. The lives of God’s children should provide a bright testimony in a dark world. Separation from sin is not a legalistic attempt to earn salvation. Separation from sin enables us to fulfill Jesus’ call to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14). Holy hands are a powerful witness to our world.

Principles of Biblical Separation

For many people separation from the world is a list of do’s and don’ts. Often separation is defined by a list of rules. Many people define separation by a list of clothes they do not wear, places they do not go, and entertainments in which they do not participate.

It is certainly true that holy people will not wear certain things or go certain places. A holy person wants to please God in every area of life. However, being separated from sin and separated to God is more than a list of rules.

One problem with defining separation only by a list of rules is that the rules change over time, often with little explanation. One church marks its separation by one set of rules; another church marks its separation by another set of rules. A better approach is to define biblical principles that are true at all times and in all cultures.

As Christians, our lifestyle should reflect our submission to God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If we seek to be people who are separated to God as a people for his own possession (1 Peter 2:9), we will willingly obey the teaching of his Word.

While the Bible does not directly address many aspects of modern life, it establishes principles that will guide us. What are principles that should guide a holy person’s lifestyle?

(1) The Principle of Modesty

The principle of modesty affirms that our dress and behavior must honor God and must avoid all that is shameful in his eyes. Our dress and behavior are guided by our desire to glorify God.

Throughout the Bible, nakedness was shameful. After they sinned, Adam and Eve were ashamed because they knew that they were naked (Genesis 3:7). So they made themselves loincloths. When God met them in the garden, he made more complete garments of skins and clothed them (Genesis 3:21).

Throughout the rest of scripture, nakedness is a sign of shame.[1] The prophets used nakedness as a symbol of God’s judgment (Isaiah 20:1-4; Hosea 2:3; Ezekiel 23:29). As God’s people, our clothing should show that we honor God’s standard of modesty. We should be shamed by the nakedness that was a symbol of shame to God’s prophets. Our clothing should be clothing that represents a holy and pure people of God.

Modesty in the Bible included a distinction between the sexes. While the Bible does not define specific items of dress worn by the Israelites, God commanded his people to maintain gender distinctions between their clothing (Deuteronomy 22:5).

The New Testament teaches that our adornment must show that we are God’s people. Paul contrasted two types of adornment:

"Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair[2] and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works" (1 Timothy 2:9-10).

Paul teaches that what we wear outwardly should show the simplicity and modesty that we should have inwardly. This is the adornment of good works.

Paul’s teaching shows the relationship between outward adornment and the inner spirit. In this section of Paul’s letter to Timothy, he is addressing prayer in the church. He tells Timothy how Christians should pray. He addresses concerns for each gender.

Paul writes that men should pray without anger or quarrelling (1 Timothy 2:8). We must not enter God’s presence in a spirit of anger. Paul writes that women should pray with a spirit of modesty and submission; this is reflected even in clothing and adornment. We must not enter God’s presence with pride and self-glory. Holy people have a modesty that is reflected in all areas of life.

Peter gave the same relationship between external appearance and the inner spirit.

"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands…" (1 Peter 3:3-5).

Peter teaches that holy people should care more about the internal adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit than about external adornment. Holy people care more about being approved by God rather than by the world.

As Christians, our entertainment should show that we are separated to God. Paul tells us that Christians should fill our minds with things that will make us more like Christ.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8).

As holy people, every area of life is controlled by God. As you read Leviticus, you see that there is nothing too small to merit God’s attention. Everything matters to him! This is not because God is a tyrant who wants to control every area of life. It is because God is a loving Father who cares about every aspect of his children’s lives. Our heavenly Father does not want his children to wear clothing that dishonors the body he lovingly created. Our heavenly Father does not want his children to fill their minds with entertainment that inspires sinful and shameful thoughts. We are a people for his own possession, and he cares for every aspect of our lives.

► Apply the principle of modesty in your culture. What areas (both of dress and lifestyle) are a challenge for maintaining modesty in your world?

(2) The Principle of Stewardship

The principle of stewardship affirms that everything we have belongs to God. As God’s children, we will use our money and resources in a way that honors him.

In the 18th century, some Christians followed a strict dress code. They rejected any decoration on clothing. They did not wear shiny buttons on clothes; men did not wear neckties; they wore clothes made only of gray cloth. It appeared that they were very modest.

However, John Wesley preached a sermon about dress in which he complained that this appearance of modesty was only external. While the clothes looked simple, some Christians ignored the principle of stewardship. They would travel from London to Paris to buy the most expensive materials for their clothing. Yes, they bought only gray cloth – but they bought expensive cloth to show off their wealth. They were modest, but they were not good stewards of God’s money.[3]

Wesley insisted that to be separate from the world meant being a good steward of the money that God gives us. He preached that a holy person should not waste money on extravagant clothing. It is possible to wear modest clothing but to be wasteful in our choices. Paul said that our adornment must not be costly attire (1 Timothy 2:9).

The principle of stewardship does not mean always buying the cheapest item. Sometimes good quality clothing that costs more will last much longer. Some churches save money by installing cheap plumbing – and then spend many times as much money to fix leaks! That is poor stewardship.

The principle of stewardship says, “We are stewards of the money that God has entrusted to us. We must use it wisely. We are stewards of the talent that God has given us. We must use it for his glory. Everything we do must honor him.”

► Apply the principle of stewardship in your culture. How can your churches be good stewards of God’s resources?

(3) The Principle of Temperance

The principle of temperance affirms that we will not allow “things” (even good things) to control our lives. One of the challenges for living “in” but not “of” the world is that we are in the world! There are many things in our world that we can and should enjoy. A holy life requires temperance or moderation even in good things.

Food is an example. Hunger is a natural appetite; it is not sinful. Paul wrote that we should eat to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Eating is not sinful. However, if I am a glutton who has no self-control, I am not eating to the glory of God. The world eats for self-gratification; if I am intemperate in my eating habits, I am of the world. Instead, I am to eat for the glory of God. This means that I will exercise self-control while enjoying the good food that God provides for me.

The Corinthians insisted that they could commit sexual immorality because they were God’s spiritual children and the body no longer mattered. They said, “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food.” They had the idea from their culture that the body is permitted to have anything it wants.

Paul responded by quoting the Corinthians’ teachings and then rejecting the false ideas behind their teaching. “‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything. ‘Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food’ – and God will destroy both one and the other” (1 Corinthians 6:12-20). He continued, “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?” Paul concludes, “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Paul’s principle is this – even things that are lawful must not control us. God has authority over all aspects of the Christian’s life, even our bodies. Everything we do must bring honor to God. This requires that we live with temperance and self-control.

How will this look in daily life? It means self-control in what we eat and drink. It means self-control in our entertainment. As a holy person, I will not be dominated by anything. Even a perfectly innocent entertainment is wrong (for me) if it dominates me. The principle of temperance teaches self-control in all areas.

Here is an example that shows how these principles may relate to personal weaknesses and personality. Understand, this is only an example, it is not a rule for you!

A young man named James bought a new computer that had a game called “Tetris.” There was nothing wrong with the game. It was not violent or sensual. It was a simple puzzle. However, James soon realized that he was dominated by this game! He would sit down to work – and soon start playing the game. He would say, “I will take a break from working and play Tetris.” Thirty minutes later, he would say, “I want to finish one more game.” But an hour later, he would still be playing. Finally, God reminded him of the principle of temperance. “‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

Because of this, James decided that he needed to delete Tetris from his computer. Is this a biblical rule for everyone? No! The Bible does not include the word Tetris anywhere! But for James, the principle of temperance meant avoiding a game that could control him.

Principles are broader than rules. There is no Bible teaching against Tetris. If Tetris is your favorite game, you do not need to quit because James had to. But for James, because of his weakness, Tetris was a snare. If we want to live holy lives, we will ask God, “How do I live in a way that pleases you?”

► Apply the principle of temperance in your culture. What areas are a challenge for maintaining biblical balance in your life?

(4) The Principle of Propriety

When Timothy, the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother, joined Paul and Silas on their missionary journey, Paul required Timothy to be circumcised for the sake of effective ministry (Acts 16:3). Earlier, Paul had refused to circumcise Titus, a Greek convert (Galatians 2:3). Paul’s differing responses in these situations teaches an important principle for ministry.

In the case of Titus, Paul stood for the truth that we are saved by grace through faith. To require a Gentile convert to follow the Jewish law would undermine the message of Christian liberty. Paul stood firm against those who wanted to require Titus to be circumcised (Galatians 2:1-6). In Acts 15, the Jerusalem church recognized that circumcision was not required for Gentile converts.

In Acts 16, Paul asked Timothy to undergo circumcision. Why? Not for the sake of salvation, but for the sake of effective ministry in the synagogues.

► Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

Paul illustrated this same principle in Corinthians. For the sake of the gospel, Paul was willing to make sacrifices in areas that did not involve biblical principle. He did not compromise biblical convictions, but he did sacrifice his freedoms for the sake of ministry.

This suggests an important principle for Christians. Some things may be appropriate in one situation and not in another. For the sake of effective ministry, a leader may surrender some freedoms in areas that do not offend his or her own convictions. These are not areas of biblical teaching, but areas of personal convictions and cultural practice.

Gary is a missionary in Africa. Gary grows a full beard. In his country, a beard is a symbol of age and authority. The chief of a tribe always wears a long beard. Gary’s beard gains respect among those he is trying to reach with the gospel. He wears a beard because of the principle of propriety.

Rick is a missionary in Asia. In Rick’s country, a beard is associated with sloppiness and careless personal appearance. Soon after moving to this country, Rick saw that his beard would limit his effectiveness. He shaved his beard because of the principle of propriety.

Is a beard right or wrong? Neither! Both men learned to follow the principle of propriety - what is best for the situation in which God puts me?

► Have you found areas where the principle of propriety requires you to sacrifice your personal freedoms to reach the people around you for Christ?

(5) The Principle of Responsibility: To Whom Do I Answer?

A teacher asked some college students, “Do you prefer rules or principles for your dormitory handbook?” They said, “We prefer principles!”

Then the teacher asked, “Which is easier to obey: a rule that says, ‘Lights must be out at midnight’ or a principle that says, ‘You are preparing for ministry. Go to bed early enough that you can be well-rested and are ready to focus on classwork for your first class each morning”? The students soon realized that a principle requires us to think much more than a simple rule!

Principles can be hard. One of the keys is realizing that we answer to God in the matter of separation. You cannot have a rule that says, “_____ grams of food per day is temperate. More than that is gluttony.” That is impossible! Instead, I must remember that I am responsible to God for self-control.

One person will be in an office job that requires nice suits; another person would be a poor steward if he bought a nice suit to wear on the farm!

God may give different convictions to different people based on their ministry setting, their background, and even the sins to which they are prone. We are not all alike; we will not all look alike. Our brothers and sisters may have different lifestyle convictions. As long as the differences do not contradict the teachings of scripture, these differences may be a sign of biblical freedom.

Because of this, I must remember two things:

I must not judge another person’s heart. They answer to God for their separation from the world (Romans 14:4).
I must carefully judge my own heart. I answer to God for my separation from the world (2 Corinthians 5:9-10).

[1] For instance, nakedness was a symbol of God’s judgment (Hosea 2:3; Ezekiel 23:29).

[2] The word “braided” sometimes confuses readers. The showy hairstyles of Paul’s day included ornate braids. His principle is “Women should be adorned by modesty, not by elaborate showiness.”

[3] John Wesley, “On Dress” from The Works of John Wesley, (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1996)