“Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you” (2 Cor. 6:17).
Who is Paul the Apostle talking when he says “their midst”? It is the society of unbelievers, those who are lawless and walk in darkness. We are supposed to “come out from among them” (2 Cor. 6:17 NKJV).
Physical Separation
This coming “out” can be physical and spiritual. We can “be separate” from society physically, by staying away from “fellowship” or hanging out with them. This would include moving our place of residence. This is what the desert fathers and mothers did.
Spiritual Separation
But this is usually interpreted spiritually. We are to be separate from “agreement” with society. Meaning, we are to reject the values and behaviors of the unbelieving community. “Do not touch what is unclean” means to not participate in activities that are not pleasing to God and are against His commandments.
Hermits are separate from the unbelieving world in mind and body. They withdrew from society and its influence. For they know that “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33).
Unclean Influences
But hermits also separate from the influence of society that comes through the entertainment industry. TV, radio, books, and now the Internet bombard us with the values and false ideas of sick and fallen society.
A true hermit will “come out” and “be separate” from all the unclean influences of the world, the flesh, and the devil. These are cleaver enemies of God and His ways, and we need to be watchful. Guarding the gates of our eyes, ears, and minds.
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