Colossians 3:2 (KJV)
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
Living a life for Jesus often comes with a cost. The closer I draw to Him, the more separation I feel from the world around me. It’s a strange tension—being filled with His joy, fruitfulness, and abundance, yet experiencing the loneliness that comes with a life set apart.
The more I write for my Savior, the fewer followers I seem to have. The more I share the love of Jesus in my writing, the fewer books I sell. The more time I spend in God’s Word and in prayer, the less time I have for people—and for their drama. Separation is a part of the process. It’s the space where God shapes us, refines us, and makes us into vessels that reflect Jesus in His fullness and without blemish.
This journey isn’t always easy. Like-minded friends can seem distant. Jealousy sometimes rears its head in the church. The enemy doesn’t even bother to hide himself anymore. But here’s the truth I hold onto: Jesus walked this path first.
“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18, KJV)
Even Jesus experienced profound separation, before He carried His cross, He was abandoned by most of His disciples. In His final moments, John was the only one of the Twelve who stayed. His mother wept at His feet, but the crowds who once cheered His name were gone. And yet, Jesus persevered. He stayed the course, not because it was easy, but because He knew the joy set before Him.
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2, KJV)
Separation is hard, but it’s not without purpose. In those moments of quiet, of solitude, of being set apart, God works in ways we can’t always see. He prunes. He refines. He pours out His Spirit so that we bear fruit that lasts.
“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (John 15:2, KJV)
Living a life for Jesus may be a lonely road at times, but it’s also the most rewarding journey we could ever take. It’s in the quiet, separated spaces where we come to know Him more deeply, experience His love more fully, and reflect His glory more brightly.
“Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17, KJV)
Reflection
Are you in a season of separation? Remember, Jesus walked this road before you, and He is with you every step of the way. Lean into Him, trust His process, and let Him use this season to draw you closer to His heart.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for calling us to a life set apart. In moments of loneliness and separation, remind us that we are never truly alone because You are always with us. Help us to embrace the refining process and trust that You are shaping us into vessels for Your glory. Teach us to find joy in the journey and to rest in Your presence, knowing that You are working all things together for good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Aging English Major 