And he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart now from the tents of these wicked men! Touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins.” Numbers 16:26
Signs are placed around places of danger to keep people out or to make them aware of the danger. It is always very important for people to stay away from or use extreme caution when in dangerous places.
While most people heed the warnings, some will go in anyway with no concern. Failing to heed the warnings will often bring on danger and cause damage or injury.
After Dathan and Abiram had sinned against God, Moses told the people to stay away from them so they would not be swept away in their sins.
Believers have been forgiven and cleansed of their sins by the blood of Jesus and His mercy upon their lives. Although one is forgiven, it can be easy for him to go back into sinful ways. This can occur even more easily when they are around people who are purposefully living in sin.
While believers are to be around unbelievers to be a witness, they must also be careful not to participate in their sins. One may not be able to completely, physically remove oneself from the presence of sinners, but one can remove oneself from participation in the sin.
Every believer is to be a light and an example of who Jesus is, separate from sin and the fallen world. Jesus walked daily among sinners, but did not join them in their sin. He moved away from the sin and pointed them to the ways of God.
As believers are separate from sin, the world will be able to see the truth of God and how lives are changed and different in Jesus.
God has forgiven you and removed sin from your life. Do not allow yourself to step back into sinful ways. When you are among unbelievers, do not follow their ways or be influenced by them, but be an influence on them of who Jesus is. Touching and handling things of sin will be a temptation to participate in sin, bringing on God’s judgment against you.
Keep yourself away from sin and sinful ways. Focus on living for and obeying God in all of your life. Walk on the path God has for you and not the path of this sinful world.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will flee all sin around you; that God will strengthen you to turn away from sinful ways; that God will strengthen you to keep from being influenced by the world; and that you will be a witness of who Jesus is.
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This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Insights from Tom
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