In order to have a correct understanding of this, the succeeding verses explain that true Christians must not mingle with people when it comes to infidelity, sin, paganism, and worldliness; and not to partake of them.
- In idolatry
- In other sins, vice, licentiousness (I Tim. 5:22, 2 Jn. 1:11)
- In doing those worthless things that are done in the dark (Eph. 5:11)
- In amusements and pleasures that are entirely worldly, and sinful in their nature; that are wholly under worldly influence, and which cannot be brought under Christian principles
This is not a separation according to personal agenda. True Christians have responsibilities to other people and they interact with them (Christian or non-Christian, good or bad, faithful or backslider, etc.). However, they must manifest the Christian principles if necessary and may even commend them to others:
- Commercial transactions and professional engagements
- Literary and scientific pursuits
- The love and affection which are due to relatives and friends
- As citizen of a country
- In plans of public improvement
- In doing good to others
- In spreading the gospel
- In setting an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity