The Illusion of “Inclusion”
Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6:14-15
When the culture’s “broad brush” inclusion policy strokes mankind, God says, “wait, not so fast!” Being bound, partnering, and fellowshipping with non-believers is prohibited.
Be in the world but not of it! (John 17:9-11).
Yet God has taught us that there is no inclusion relative to darkness and light, righteousness and lawlessness, or believers and unbeliever. There is no common ground. The gospel is “inclusive” but only at, “whosoever will” (John 3:16).
Those who are saved are not expected to embrace the philosophy and ideology of the world (Col.2:8). God told Israel not to learn the “…ways of the nations…” (Jer. 10:1).
The partnership offered by the “cultural worldview” would have us abandon Godly discernment in how we love unbelievers. We can love those who are like minded and we are commanded to (John 13:34-35) but those in darkness we must love them with the gospel (Rom. 10:15).
The difference between the two groups is “fellowship” (1 John1:3,7). We are instructed not to “love” or fellowship (in union) with the world (1 John 2:15-17). Too often the church seems to err on the side of using the cultural definition of “inclusive” at all cost.
God commanded that His sanctuary be kept holy (Lev. 19:30). Yes, we were all “included” in John 3:16 but from there, true fellowship with God and one another is reserved for “true believers.
God knows what is best for His creation and He has commanded us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16) Who are you bound to? Who are you in partnership with?
How dark is your light? (Matt. 6:23)
Prayer: O God, my God, Your name is holy, Your ways are holy. Examine me and see if the light in me is dark. Examine my close relationships and reveal the error of my ways for you have called me too to be holy.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Written by Pastor Milton Harding
Write Pastor Harding at milton@agapaisolutions.com
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