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Do
Children Need to Be Exposed to the World?
For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore
on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is
good, and simple concerning evil. Romans 16:19
Simple Concerning Evil
This Biblical principle is in direct opposition to the idea advocated
by some, that children of Christians should be exposed to sin, immorality,
ungodliness and the things of Satan in order to learn to confront
temptation. Some suggest that children need not be guarded from
ungodliness. However, according to Biblical revelation, this philosophy
is not only against God’s will, but is compatible with Satan’s
own desire that everyone be exposed to the knowledge of good and
evil (Genesis 3:5).
Knowledge of evil, along with continual exposure to Satan’s
ways, will lead many from the path of faith and obedience. Lot
found this out to his deep sorrow when he lost his family (Genesis
13:12-13; 19:1-38). Scripture warns that ...evil communications
corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33), and that Jesus Christ
... Who gave himself ...that he might deliver us from this present
evil world... (Galatians 1:3-4). Those who advocate exposing children
to an ungodly environment
and/or influence are in danger of violating Jesus’ warning
in Matthew 18:6.
Believers should do all in their power to keep their children
from being exposed to sin’s deceitfulness and the perverseness
of this generation.To refuse to protect our children disregards
the Holy Spirit's desire that they be innocent about what is evil.
Being Separate from the World
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship
hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath
light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? and
what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement
hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the
living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in
them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.Wherefore
come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and
touch not the unclean thing... 2 Corinthians 6: 14 - 17.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the
scornful (Psalms 1:1). Parents bless their children by keeping them
away from “the counsel of the wicked” and “the
way of
sinners.”
Don Stamp’s commentary in the Full life Study Bible stated
the following in his note on this verse: In God’s eyes
people ultimately are divided into two categorizes: Those in Christ
and those who are not in Christ. Therefore, believers must not be
in voluntary partnership or in intimate association with unbelievers,
for such a relationship can corrupt their relationship with Christ.
This includes a partnership in business, secret orders (lodges),
dating, marriage, and close friendships. A Christian’s association
with unbelievers should be only as is necessary for social or economic
existence, or to show believers the way to salvation.
According to this note, putting young children in a school situation
with other children and adults who are not believers is simply wrong.
Many Christians don’t see or understand this reasoning because
society has believed Satan’s lie, that the school is the best
place to put our children.
The concept of separation from evil is fundamental to God’s
relationship with His people. According to the Bible, separation
involves two dimensions—one negative and one positive: (a)
separating yourself morally and spiritually from sin and everything
that is contrary to Jesus Christ, righteous and God’s Word;
(b) drawing near to God in a close intimate fellowship through dedication,
worship, and service.
In the Old Testament, separation was an ongoing requirement for
God’s people (Exodus 23:24; Leviticus 20:22-26; Isaiah 52:11).They
were expected to be holy, different and separated from other peoples
in order to belong to God as His very own. In the New Testament,
God commanded separation of the believer (a) from the corrupt world
system and from unholy compromise; (b) from those in church who
sin and refuse to repent (Matthew 7:15; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11); and
(c) from false teachers, churches or cults that teach theological
error and deny Biblical truths (Matthew 7:15; Romans 16:17).
Our attitude in separation must be one of (a) hatred toward sin,
unrighteousness, and the corrupt world system, (b) opposition
to false doctrine, (c) genuine love towards those who we must separate
away from, and (d) fear of God.
The purpose of separation is that we, as God’s people, might
(a) persevere in salvation (1 Timothy 4:16; Revelation 12:14-17),
faith (1 Timothy 1:19; 6:10; 20-21), and holiness (John 17:14-21;
2 Corinthians 7:1), (b) live wholly for God as our Lord and Father
(Matthew 22:37; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18), and (c) convince the unbelieving
world of the truth and blessings of the gospel (John 17:21; Philippians
2:15).
If we separate ourselves properly, God Himself rewards us by drawing
near with His protection, blessing, and Fatherly care. He promises
to be everything a good Father should be. He will be our Counselor
and Guide; He will love and cherish us as His own children (2 Corinthians
6:16-18).
The refusal of believers to separate themselves from evil will
inevitability result in loss of: fellowship with God (2 Corinthians
6:16), acceptance by the Father (6:17), and our rights as children
(6:18 Romans 8:15-16). In the “world,” believers are
aliens and strangers.They must come out of the world, not be conformed
to the world, not love the world, overcome the world, hate the world’s
evil, die out to the world, and be delivered from the world (1 John
2:15).
We must separate ourselves completely from the world and purify
ourselves ...from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1). - Ron
Scarlata, Founder, Family Christian Academy
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