Defining Difference

“Put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean” (Leviticus 10:10).  “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1-3).  “Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye… his heart is not with thee” (Proverbs 23:6,7).  “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb… saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9,10). 

There is an attitude today,

Defined by some as “tolerance,”

When sin has been explained away

As “choice” that makes no difference.

The counsel of our God is clear:

He calls us to surrender fully,

Distinguishing with godly fear

Between the holy and unholy.

How pleasant is the unity

Of those serve the King of kings

And thereby live in harmony

Beneath the shadow of His wings! 

When those dismissing what God said

Have called for us to come and dine,

We dare not eat with them their bread

In fellowship that blurs the line. 

There is a multitude above

Comprised of souls from every nation

Who find their unity in love

For Christ, the Author of salvation. 

The worship thus is unified

Of all who magnify His name.

How worthy is the Lamb who died

To take our sin and shame! 

O Lord, we join the grateful ranks

Of multitudes around Your throne

Who worship You and give You thanks,

Astonished at the love You’ve shown! 

O Lord, we see You have defined

The great distinction now that matters: 

To be the joyful sheaves You bind,

Or otherwise the chaff that scatters. 

Lord, help us to be diligent

To show the Gospel lines between

The saved and the indifferent,

The lost and those You have made clean!