SEPARATION FOR ONE'S CHILDREN AND FOR ONESELF
SEPARATION FOR ONE’S CHILDREN AND FOR ONESELF
As to associations, I am quite sure your principle is right, I mean, as you say, that scripture associated the children with the parents. Hence: any association spiritually [p. 84] damaging to the parents, is not good nor right for the children. You are called to bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; how then can you sanction for them a looser rein than is good for yourself? “If a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?” (1 Timothy 3: 5) Nothing tests one’s faith and power more than the control of one’s children, and in no line of service are we so manifestly rewarded. I know the difficulty of it well, and how easily one fails, but, on the other hand, in a very marked way, the Lord will honour you if you honour Him.
It is not necessary to explain to your children why you make a certain rule. But, be assured, however they may object and even chafe under a holy rule now, they will, when they are enlightened, own the great good of it.
As to relations I feel you should be ready to act a kinsman’s part always, and therefore to be kind and gracious to them; but when their ecclesiastical position is contrary to the truth, I do not think that you can receive them socially, saving, as you say, in hospitality.
Can anything be more dangerous, because so infectious, than false worship? It is either false or true. Alas, I know how easy it is to fall from this holy line where the Lord only supports you. You cannot be too separate; there is no power apart from separation. “Touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6: 17). If you are separate in the tent — your own house — you are suited to God in His house.
I believe, beloved brother, it is a question of deepest importance. You are like a diver in a diving bell; if you do not keep out the water — the surrounding element — the world all around will swamp you.... The growing weakness everywhere is lack of separation, and contact with man is the worst. See Leviticus 5: 3. It is the snare of Balaam. Shelter your children under the wing of holy separation and then surely you will be near the Lord for yourself, and He will shew Himself strong in your behalf, in blessing your children.