Christian, we are called to be "separate," different from the world around us. It is in the definition of the Greek word translated "church" - ἐκκλησίᾳ (ekklesia), which comes from two Greek words:
ek - which means "out, or out of" and the verb kaleo, which means "to call." Thus Christians are those who have been "called out" of the world.

Believer, you are admonished by Scripture to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Rom. 12:2).

We are but sojourners here, awaiting our departure from these earthly tents and our entrance into our eternal home (2 Cor. 4:1). Yet while we dwell here, it is our job to shine light in the darkness. We will have tribulation in this world, but be of strong heart, for Jesus has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33).

We must remember in times of trouble, when enemies are attacking, the exhortation given us by Paul:

"Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay' says the Lord. 'But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12:19-21

The world will hate us, for it hated Him first (Jn. 15:18).

We must remain holy for Christ's sake, because we are called to be holy as He is holy (1 Pet. 1:15). We must rise above, show ourselves different, and allow Christ to live through us so that those who are called will hear His voice and come to Him.

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Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotions

Morning, September 11

"Be ye separate." 2 Corinthians 6:17

The Christian, while in the world, is not to be of the world. He should be distinguished from it in the great object of his life. To him, "to live," should be "Christ." Whether he eats, or drinks, or whatever he does, he should do all to God's glory. You may lay up treasure; but lay it up in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, where thieves break not through nor steal. You may strive to be rich; but be it your ambition to be "rich in faith," and good works. You may have pleasure; but when you are merry, sing psalms and make melody in your hearts to the Lord. In your spirit, as well as in your aim, you should differ from the world. Waiting humbly before God, always conscious of His presence, delighting in communion with Him, and seeking to know His will, you will prove that you are of heavenly race. And you should be separate from the world in your actions. If a thing be right, though you lose by it, it must be done; if it be wrong, though you would gain by it, you must scorn the sin for your Master's sake. You must have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Walk worthy of your high calling and dignity. Remember, O Christian, that thou art a son of the King of kings. Therefore, keep thyself unspotted from the world. Soil not the fingers which are soon to sweep celestial strings; let not these eyes become the windows of lust which are soon to see the King in His beauty- let not those feet be defiled in miry places, which are soon to walk the golden streets- let not those hearts be filled with pride and bitterness which are ere long to be filled with heaven, and to overflow with ecstatic joy.

Then rise my soul! and soar away,
Above the thoughtless crowd;
Above the pleasures of the gay,
And splendours of the proud;
Up where eternal beauties bloom,
And pleasures all divine;
Where wealth, that never can consume,
And endless glories shine.



* yes, my intro this morning was to some degree influenced by the tragic events of yesterday