Don't touch their filthy things!

(Stephen Tyng, "Practical Meditations")

"Therefore, come out from them and separate
yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don't touch
their filthy things, and I will welcome you." 2 Cor. 6:17

I am to be separated from the sinful world around me.
Separated in actual character and conduct, by the work
of the Holy Spirit in my heart and life. I have come out
from them, for my lot is no longer with them.

I cannot walk in their paths.

I cannot pursue their objects.

I cannot partake of their pleasures.

While they reject the gospel, my heart thankfully
embraces it. While they live without Christ, it is
my desire and delight to live for Him and with Him.
While they are earthly in all their plans and objects,
I am to seek the things which are above. There is
my treasure, and there must be my heart also.

Their opinions, and maxims, and plans are
of no consequence to me. I cannot yield . . .
  to their judgments,
  to their examples, nor
  to their authority.

I cannot find my pleasures in this wilderness world.

I must not run out for the trifling vanities of
the world around me. I must not form a part
of its foolish passing pageant.