For those who do practice separation at some level, does it only apply to other Christians? It's been a long time but I do recall the days when we were regularly challenged to separate (or be separate from ) the world. Are these two different concepts?
I was taught they are two different concepts, but both apply.
We are suppose to be in the world, but not of the world. We should be Involved at work and in our community enough to be an influence, and encouragment and a Christian example, but not so involved that the world becomes our closest friends. Close enough to be a good testomony and have an inpact, but not so close that they are our closest friends. Not so close that we pick up on their lifestyles and their worldly and often sinful practices.
Matthew 5:13-16
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Like our music choices, the doctrine of seperation is very nuance and subjective. I have my views, but I try to never judge others for their choices and views on the subject. I think If you are in the world (work, school, community) and no one can tell your a Christian, no one can tell that's something different about you, then you may want to review your testomony and your level of seperation. This is a decision for each person and each church to practice as they feel lead of the Lord and not for me to make for others.
I think Billy Graham had some real seperation issues, yet he likely led more people to the Lord than any man that has ever lived.