Is There A Difference?

What difference is there between those who call themselves Christians and the rest of the world?

When we look at the lives of Christians today, we see little if any difference with the world around us. We see those who call themselves Christians living together without being married. We see the divorce rate amongst Christians higher than those who are non-Christians.

We see Christians not only doing those things the Bible says we shouldn’t do, but also approving them and those who do them as well (Romans 1:32). It’s where we accept every sort of inappropriate and illicit behavior.

This was something the Lord talked about in His judgment against Israel.

In comparing the lives of His children, the Israelites, God said that while they weren’t living like the Samarians and Sodomites, they were actually doing worse.

“You did not walk in their ways nor act according to their abominations; but, as if that were too little, you became more corrupt than they in all your ways.” (Ezekiel 16:47)

In fact, God goes on to say that Samaria didn’t do half the stuff Israel did (Ezekiel 16:15).

It was such sin that surprised the Apostle Paul when he heard about it. He said, “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles.” (1 Corinthians 5:1)

As believers we’re told to be separate ourselves from the world; that while we live in this world we’re not to be of this world.

This is the meaning of the word, “holy.” It means to be separate from the world and consecrated, that is, set apart unto the Lord and His service.

And so, Paul says, “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:3-4)

Is there a difference?