Enclave according to Webster:
“a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit enclosed within or as if within foreign territory”.
This is NOT what the church has been designed to become. Yes, I remember the scripture that tells us to separate ourselves – 2 Corinthians 6:17. That particular scripture is referencing something that is entirely different. We are to be IN not of the world – 2 entirely different mindsets.
“I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but that You keep them and protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth [set them apart for Your purposes, make them holy]; Your word is truth.” (John 17:15-17, AMP)
This was the prayer Jesus prayed for His disciples… so, if for them. and we are also His disciples – then for us as well. We are to be salt and light. Then Jesus defines what this means so that we understand. Bottom line: We do have the answer, and the Lord decided He was going to work through us to touch lives. This is why enclave should never define or describe us.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its taste (purpose), how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and walked on by people [when the walkways are wet and
slippery]. You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 13-16, AMP)
If the Lord wanted us to share only with one another, why would He say this? Why would we even need to be salt and light? Simple answer – enclaves are not for Christians. We have been called into a hurting, confused world to help the world know and understand and come to the truth. If you wonder your method of ‘how’, it’s not to beat or threaten them. It’s to help others who don’t know the Lord, to realize Who He is by our words and actions.
An excellent article can be found at: https://www.christianity.com/bible/christian-you-are-salt-and-light-11596480.html – a comment that grabbed me was:
“The spiritual health and strength of the Christian is to counteract the corruption that is in the world. Christians, as salt, are to inhibit sin’s power to destroy lives. This in turn creates opportunity for the gospel to be proclaimed and received.”
What a wonderful opportunity we have. As we live out our lives in our world, as we demonstrate in our actions what our words say – we share Who we believe (Jesus) and how this is viable in both our words and actions – and available to all who turn to Him as their Lord. Our actions are the proof that will make a difference to others – that we walk our talk and not just speak words.
