Why we must embrace separation in our lives even if it means our lives look radically different. 

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“So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life.” — Leviticus 18:3 (NLT)

“We’re just built different.” — LeBron James

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Many of us, at one point or another, desire to be unique. We long to be the trend-setter, the rule-breaker. To stand out from the rest.

It’s not always easy. Becoming “one-of-a-kind” requires risk and determination.

Check out the latest videos on TikTok (if you dare!) and you’ll see TikTokers pushing the limits of crazy, goofy, creativity or shock in an attempt to be different. Very few stick out. Most wind up looking like everybody else.

Separation is difficult. Not only because it’s natural to fit in with the crowd but also because the crowd is a more comfortable place to live. Being different is risky. 

If you are unique enough to stick out you run the risk of being ridiculed or condemned. You might be celebrated, but even those who celebrate you can turn on you.

Look at our political climate (if you dare!) and you’ll see examples of those who are receiving pushback for separating themselves from the usual party line.

Separation is not always safe. That’s a big reason why we tend to shrink back into what’s familiar.

Recently, I was reading the book of Leviticus. It’s not my favorite book for daily enrichment but there are diamonds in the rough, like this one: God’s continuous call for the people of Israel to be separate.

In chapter 18, God prohibits the Israelites from living like the Egyptians or the Canaanites. Basically, don’t be like those from where you came and be different from those who live where you are headed. Be a separate people.

At the beginning of chapter 19, the Lord tells them,“Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.”

We tend to associate holiness with moral purity. But the holiness of God is not referring to superior moral qualities, it is referring to God’s transcendent separateness. And because God is holy, the people of Israel are called to be holy, or separate.

Followers of Jesus have the same call. A call to not only be different from who we used to be, but to also embrace separation as we move forward. This is best demonstrated by who we follow.

I’m reminded of the rich man who asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to follow the law. The man replies that he has followed all the commandments and wants to know if there is something else he lacks. Jesus instructs him to sell all he has, give it to the poor and then follow him. 

Discouraged, the man rejects Jesus’ advice and simply walks away. He was willing to do more to have more — not give up everything to have nothing.

I don’t think the purpose of the story is to instruct every person to give away all their possessions. I think Jesus is calling people to follow him and live differently. To embrace separation and live a transformed life.

It’s interesting because the rich man seemed to welcome religion and was willing to try be more religious, but he wasn’t able to surrender.

He was willing to follow the rules, but he wasn’t willing to be a different person. 

He was willing to follow the commandments, but he wasn’t willing to follow the commander. 

Embracing separation means to live like you’re a citizen of an upside-down kingdom.

• It means worrying less and saying thank you more.

• It means making peace when it’s easier to point fingers.

• It means walking the extra mile with someone when it’s more natural to take care of yourself.

• It means declaring war against lust in your heart before it attacks the entirety of your life.

• It means loving your enemies even if they vote differently than you.

• It means following Jesus, and his way, no matter what separation from others costs you.

No matter who or what you have to separate from.

No matter how difficult the separation is.

Separation is difficult but we aren’t alone. No one lived a more different life than Jesus and he’s the one who goes before us. He leads us on a road that is narrow, unified in separation and moving toward the kingdom of God.

How is God calling you to embrace separation in your life?