Sometimes we misunderstand what set apart means for God’s people.
Because the purpose in being set apart is to be set to something else.
Biblically speaking, something else is desiring what God desires for us.
It means desiring someone else—God. And not desiring the things of this world more.
So here are 10 things God desires to set us apart from that help us to desire Him.
(1.) God desires to set us apart from other gods.
Even after we realize God is the one true God, we still struggle with letting Him reign supreme in our lives. And other gods are anything or anyone that take the Lord’s place in our heart—even “me.”
(2.) God desires to set us apart from religion.
When the Lord sets us apart from the rules and regulations of doing to obtain salvation, we are free to just being in Him, His free gift of grace. This sets us to a deep and intimate relationship with the God of the universe.
[bctt tweet=”When the Lord sets us apart from the rules and regulations of ‘doing’ to try to obtain salvation, we are free to just ‘being’ in Him, His gift of grace. This ‘sets us to’ a deep and intimate relationship with God. @FridayKaren #blog” username=”PatHolbrook”]
(3.) God desires to set apart His people from culture.
God never meant for us to look to humans (including ourselves) for how to live and make important life decisions. People operate in the natural while God operates in the supernatural. God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
(4.) God desires to set us apart from lies.
The enemy of our souls, Satan, capitalizes on falsehood spoken over our lives. He makes sure lies are spoken to our hearts and minds daily to keep us from the truth. But God is Truth; the Holy Scriptures are Truth; Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).
(5.) God desires to set us apart from unforgiveness.
God’s people are called to forgiveness as we have been forgiven by God through the blood of Jesus Christ. God gives us the power and ability to truly and fully forgive. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
(6.) God desires to set apart His people from hatred.
There’s a lot of hate in the world and plenty of reasons to harbor hatred against those different from us, those with opposite opinions, and those who seem unlovable. Yet, what really sets us apart as God’s people is love.
[bctt tweet=”There’s a lot of hate in the world. But what really sets us apart as God’s people is love. @FridayKaren #love #blog” username=”PatHolbrook”]
(7.) God desires to set us apart from unrighteousness.
Unrighteousness is the exact opposite of God’s holiness. God sets us apart from it to set us to holy living or right-living according to God’s Word which only comes through Christ living in us. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
(8.) God desires to set us apart from condemnation.
Others, the enemy, and our own hearts often condemn us. But condemnation is not of God. Instead, the Lord frees us from a condemning spirit by convicting us of sin and giving us a clean slate after repenting.
(9.) God desires to set apart His people from unbelief.
We were created to believe in who God is and what God does—He is all powerful and able to do anything. But due to a fallen world, we learned to doubt and question real faith in a real God. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
(10.) God desires to set us apart from death.
Praise God, He separated us from spiritual death, giving us eternal life! So, we live differently as God’s sons and daughters knowing in Him we have new life, abundant life, and everlasting life.
Which point spoke the most to you? Anything you would add?
Also see, Trusting God Without Hesitation.
Featured image courtesy of Adobe Spark.
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We are.in a unique position to offer true hope in a world where hope is tied to such fragile anchors.
That’s true. I pray to be set “to” true hope in Christ.
I love that emphasis that we’re not just set apart from some things, but to other things.
It makes sense, especially spiritual sense, to be set apart from things that pull us away from God or pull us down spiritually. And to be set to the things of God.
Great list, Karen. And how precious that God has set us apart for Himself.
Thank you, Debbie. I so want to desire God more than anything the world offers.
Love this, Karen! “Because the purpose in being set apart is to be set to something else. ” I don’t think I’ve heard it explained in just that way before!
Thanks, Jerralea. Glad this inspired you. That thought came straight from the Lord and the Holy Spirit. Why would we need to be set apart if it’s not for the specific reason to be set to something else-God!
So thought provoking Karen. Often in our broken world, when we work to set ourselves apart, we fall into the trap of many ungodly things you’ve listed here. Condemnation, unforgiveness, hatred, etc. Great article.
Appreciate your kind comment, Lauren. What really sets us apart from the world as believers is love.
I don’t think I’d really thought about what we’re set apart FROM, Karen! Thank you, this is helpful!
You’re welcome, Bethany. I needed the clarity of this list to know what God desires for us as we consecrate ourselves to him.
My favorite point is that God set apart from condemnation. I find it comforting to know my right standing in Jesus is a anti-condemnation policy. Nothing and no one has the right to undue what Christ has done. It is finished. This statement is powerful” Because the purpose in being set apart is to be set to something else.” I never looked at it this way.
I like how you called it an “anti-condemnation” policy! Yes! So true and comforting. Thankful no one can undo what Jesus did for us on the cross and rising from the dead!