~ 2 Corinthians 6:17
When the Apostle Paul wrote these words to the believers in Corinth, he was quoting from Isaiah 52:11, where God called Israel to leave Babylon and return to Jerusalem.
The message was simple but profound if God’s people were to live as His chosen, they had to separate from the corrupt practices of the world around them. Their holiness wasn’t just about ritual. It was also about loyalty, purity, and identity.
That same call echoes to us today. As Christians, we live in a modern “Babylon.” A world filled with spiritual compromise, unhealthy patterns, and self-destructive habits. God still whispers to His people “Come out. Be different. Be Mine.”
Holiness is not only spiritual but also physical. Paul connects the two when he says in 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you… You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.” Our bodies are not disposable shells; they are sacred dwelling places of the Spirit of God. If God lives in us, then what we eat, drink, and allow into our lives matters deeply.
Think of the story of Daniel and his friends in Babylon (Daniel 1). Surrounded by a culture of indulgence, they drew a line they would not defile themselves with the king’s food and wine. Their commitment to physical purity reflected their spiritual devotion, and God honored them with wisdom and strength. In the same way, our health choices are more than personal preferences. They are testimonies of who we belong to.
To “touch no unclean thing” in our time may mean saying no to substances that harm our bodies, stepping away from overindulgence, or resisting habits that cloud our minds. It may mean rethinking diet, rest, and exercise, not as burdens, but as acts of worship. When we care for the temple of the Holy Spirit, we are living witnesses that we have “come out” of the world’s patterns and chosen to live under God’s loving design.
But let’s be clear this is not about legalism. Separation does not mean arrogance or judgment toward others. It means living with such integrity and joy that the difference in us points to the Lord we serve. Our health message is not just about avoiding harm, it’s about thriving in the abundant life Christ promised (John 10:10).
Today, God invites us to a life of distinction a life where body and spirit reflect His holiness. Will you answer His call to “come out” from destructive patterns and live fully for Him He promises, “I will receive you.” In other words, when we separate ourselves unto Him, we discover His presence, His blessing, and His power in our lives.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live set apart for You—not only in my heart but also in how I care for my body. Teach me to honor You in my choices, and let my life shine as a testimony of Your holiness and love. Amen.
