Be Ye Separate
Many years ago, the song “Take the World, but Give Me Jesus” was written by Fanny J. Crosby and John R. Sweeny. This song has long been & still is utilized by many in worship services. While there is nothing wrong with this song, its message seems to depict the general desire of a “religious” person. It also mentions the hope of reward. However, the song does not fully express what an earnest believer of the gospel must do to be promised or receive the reward. Nor does it show the importance of “obedience”. It is as if the concept is that of a benevolent God, rewarding any and all who desire it.
Much of the religious world embraces a similar idea. They gladly affirm that Christ is God’s Son, and that He died on the cross. They are convinced that since Jesus died on Calvary, their sins have been taken away, and all they need to do is “accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior”. Did not Jesus, in Luke 6:46, ask the people of His day about this? He asked: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? ”. Those who refused to do the things the Lord said to do, did not have the privilege to call Him Lord. Neither did they have access to the reward He would provide in His death for those who love and serve Him.
One cannot live in this life as “part of the world” and expect to be accepted of the Lord. In 2Cor 6:17-18, in the context of living in the world, but not being “of the world”, the Spirit had the apostle Paul tell them: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
Sometime in the early ‘80’s, my wife’s father, O.D. Wilson, wrote words to this hymn, that I think, better reflect the proper attitude a child of God is to have. The Christian has committed him/her self to a life dedicated to God. This includes a life spent in learning and doing God’s Word. This is the only way a child of God can remain pleasing to God, while preparing for eternity with Him. The words of this song, aptly titled “Be Ye Separate”, and sung to the tune of “Take the World, but Give Me Jesus” are printed below.
Be Ye Separate
1)
The Lord’s people are peculiar,
It’s because we want to be.
We’re a chosen generation,
Roots go back to Calvary.
2)
It’s because we were invited,
And accepted Jesus’ call,
Were in death with Him united,
Found in Him our all in all.
3)
And we are God’s Holy nation,
Royal blood flows in our veins.
Priests of God, a new creation,
To show praises to His name.
Chorus
Come ye out and be ye separate,
Do not touch the unclean thing.
Ye shall be my sons and daughters,
And my blessings to you bring.
O.D. Wilson - deceased
Should not all who have obeyed the gospel and been added to the church, want to clearly “stand out” as diligent, dedicated, committed, and faithful children of God? Why not start today in obedience to the gospel? Let us help guide you in the New Testament Word of God so you can prepare yourself to spend eternity with God and with all those who love Him and serve Him in accordance with His Word.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
