Separating From Other Influences

"The rest of the people--priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand-"(Nehemiah 10:28).

This chapter demonstrates a truly repentant heart. The Children of Israel wanted to please God and offer themselves as His Holy people that would honor Him. They made a vow to serve and to honor Him in every aspect of their lives. However, the most remarkable thing is that it is the whole community of God it would appear. Everyone realized where they were and signed on to the vow that they would honor the Lord and restore the Word.

Separation was very important for the Children of Israel, they were to separate themselves from other people who did not honor their God. In our politically correct culture we are taught to embrace others and it is almost wrong to not be in relationship with others whose foundational beliefs are different from ours. What does that do? It diminishes the core beliefs of Christianity and it opens the individual up to influences that may not be all that empowering. Christianity is Christianity it is not a politically correct hybrid that is ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In essence their perspective they operated from was of Holiness and Sanctification. They separated themselves from the influences of their environment because they understand that the Father had separated them for a purpose. Purpose is our driving motivation and it compels us to remain center and focused on what the Father has for us. It is a separation of word, thought and deed from influences that would hinder our spiritual development.

What we are seeing in Christianity at this point is an embracing of other religions which are influencing how we understand and view God. Movements of universalism have produced a Christianity that is Christ-less with no power. We are entrusted to be caretakers of the basic truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have to be unapologetic in our relationship with the Father and to stand upon His word.

Be careful of the relationships you develop, ensure that those in your life are a positive, faith-inspiring and edifying. Our relationships should assist us in our spiritual growth and development.

Living with Faith and Power and Creating a Phenomenal Life!

Bishop Keith Russell Lee
Hoffman Estates, IL and Los Angeles, CA

Spiritual Prayer Treatment

Father, I stand in my relationship of Oneness with you.
I affirm your Word and Live according to your Truth.
I guard and protect my heart from influences that will
create confusion and cause me to falter.
In the Name of Jesus and Through His Power!
Amen! And So It Is!