A strong sense of morality, of moral decency, of values that hinge on what is right and what is wrong will not lead you to salvation, but towards becoming a hypocrite.
Your value system, if you have not been born again, is based upon preconceived notions of proper actions and reactions to those you meet, towards what you perceive as being either proper or improper behavior. And they will be modified within you either by the construct of the masses of humanity, or by those you associate with over the course of your life.
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:8)
Whether it be the unrepentant, a religious organization, friends, family members, those who profess His name, yet whose lives bear no resemblance to the Word and will of the Most high, no matter who it is, we who are hid in Christ are not to emulate them, associate on a personal level with them, invite them into our house or bid them God-speed.
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” (Eph. 5:11)
Our moral character is to be one of holiness, not conformity, we are, in our words, actions, deeds, and thoughts to remain unspotted by this world. And that can have no other meaning than the people in it my friends who are not hid in Christ.
We are not so much separatists as we are set apart, sanctified, we are a peculiar people, we are not of this world.
One thing I have seen as a truth in regard to what has been written in this short letter to you is that even many who are indeed born again fear to offend those they know, meet, and even love with the truths of the Word of God. They want to remain friendly with all they meet, not because it is expected of them, but because they fear to lose the friendship of others.
This verse is not a reality in their lives.
“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” (James 4:4)
What did you think that word “friend” means? Is it the complete opposite of enemy? And are we not to love our enemies?
And so, many value the friendship of those in this world above being obedient to the Word of God, the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ. And by doing so they become morally corrupted by this world. But anything is better than being cast out by beloved family members, then being ostracized by friends and acquaintances, then having people think you’re rude, right?
How many times have you sat there late at night bemoaning your state, wondering why it is so difficult to serve the Most High as you wish you could? Couldn’t possibly be because you’re still a friend of the world, could it?
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2nd Cor. 6:14)
In a sense there are a lot of greyed out believers out there, not quite shining lights for His glory, but not altogether in the darkness of this world, of those who are still in an unrepentant state. Playing both sides of the field. I believe the Living God called that being lukewarm, didn’t He?
There is no reason to be unfriendly, no need to be rude, but there is a line you need to be able to see and know when it is becoming too close. Before you decide to cross it, recall the moral character of Him whom you say you serve.
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1st Peter 1:16)
