Be Set Apart
Restoration is a well-known popular theme in Christianity but so is being set apart. Many times we find ourselves in the wrong company and what is sometimes needed for growth is actually separation.
They Hated Him, They’ll Hate You
Sometimes relationships have to end for you to propel to the next level you are headed in your spiritual growth. Christians must pray for wisdom from God to know whether they are to maintain, retain, or separate and release from certain relationships in their lives.
Jesus speaks in The Bible of the world, even families being divided because of Him:
"Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two, and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law" – Luke 12:51-53
Western Christianity has adopted a fake version of Jesus, who always listens, always heals but as we see in scripture, sometimes Jesus did or said nothing. So we must not buy into a narrative that God is a genie who grants our every wish. Some people will hate a true believer of Christ no matter how many good works they do because they hate the Jesus inside of them. God irritates and agitates the flesh and those who do not choose to crucify the flesh can be bothered by the presence of the Spirit of God in you.
Pastor Mike Signorelli oftentimes says Bible readers think that when Jesus refers to “the world”, He is speaking of non-religious people, “the sinners.” However, in reading the text, we can observe that the sinners loved Jesus and welcomed Him because He offered hope.
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’” – John 15:18-25
In the aforementioned context, the world was referring to the religious people, who led the charge against Christ all the way to the cross.
“It’ll be your own people that hate you for having the true Jesus inside of you. If they hate deliverance it is because they hate the real Jesus,” Signorelli preached. “We don't need good people, we need dangerous people who will be hated by religiosity. People that are willing to cast out demons and pray for healing and miracles.”
Freedom from evil, performing miracles, and healing should be a Christians norm because that is how it is in Heaven. When we do not create an atmosphere of Heaven here on earth, we are living in an atmosphere of Hell.
Signorelli often tells V1 Church: “If you are not on a head-on collision with the devil it is because you are running the same direction as him.”
Do Not Be Manipulated
Believers are to guard themselves from accepting titles and status, even in church scenarios. Titles and status can be used as a manipulation tactic to keep you in a position that God did not call you into. If you are not able to speak the truth in a relationship it is most likely not a good relationship. As we see in those instances, lies don’t always end relationships, usually, it is the truth that does.
“Whoever walks with wise people will be wise, but whoever associates with fools will suffer.” –Proverbs 13: 20:13
A good test to see if a relationship is spiritually good for you is to examine the results after your interactions with the person. Ask yourself, did you become better at conquering or complaining following that interaction? Seeds from foolish people can lead to struggles in your own life but a godly companion will call you up.
Many times, people have trauma bonds. Meaning they are so accustomed to the traumatic events in their lives that they seek out relationships and interactions that are familiar to them. The most unhealthy part of us sometimes can make us choose certain people to be around, or churches that feel familiar, or careers but that does not mean that is God’s will for us. The scripture says to WALK with the wise, not just talk to the wise. Walking life out with others requires doing and experiencing the same things. If you think talking to a wise person is enough I challenge you to take it further and walk with them as well.
Are you living in response to God’s will or your wound?
The proverb goes on to make an interesting statement. Being associated with a fool will cause suffering, so the pain will come simply from the interaction with a foolish person; there is no need for a strong connection to feel the impact.
Surrender people to God and allow him to deal with them. Do not carry dead weight. Pastor Mike teaches, “If you are the strong one in every relationship you are only in codependent relationships.” Christians must be able to have moments of weakness where their surrounding community can uplift them and pray. If you are the only strong one in your circle, then where is God's seat in your life?
Eagles are never seen in the chicken coop. They are soaring high and believers have been called to fly with the eagles. Sever those ungodly soul ties as they have become a misery to you and continue on to where God has called you to. If you obsessively think about or want to be with the person who hurt you, chances are there is a soul tie that must be broken in the name of Jesus.
Outgrowing someone does not necessarily make them evil. Sometimes we outgrow our shoes - what was once provision and protection becomes painful and we need to move on to a new pair that fits who we are growing into. Do the inventory today and do not be afraid to be set apart!
About the Author
Jeannie Ortega Law is a chart-topping singer, evangelist, media personality and author from New York City. She can be reached on social media: @JeannieOrtega or emailed at Info@JeannieO.com
At V1 Church we believe in teaching Bible-based relationship principles so that you can your family can be strengthened. Connect with us using one of the links below – we’d love to see you and help you walk through the process of reconciliation.