Please explain James 4:4 (ESV), "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." If I am fully consecrated believer living in a city or street where no other consecrated brothers are living nearby, then will I not be able to befriend with or be close to other non-believesrs for social issues, especially on neighborhood? Or I should live independently for every matters just to make sure I do not befriend non-believers or associate with members of nominal churches? (Tanzania)

Our hearts have great sympathy for you. Isolation from other believers is certainly a cross that you are bearing to the glory of God. Thankfully, today, we have mobile phones, email, Zoom, even paper mail with which you can use to have fellowship with other believers. It is very important to be able to talk about our Bible studies and about how we are following Jesus in our personal lives. We need the support and love of the body of Christ.

However, there is a definite temptation to become involved with social issues. The world has been trying to establish justice, safety, equality for thousands of years. If you read the constitutions of most nations, the documents are idealistic and just. Yet, selfishness, greed, power-seeking dominate the applications of the laws. 

We need to remember that only Christ’s reign on earth will be able to accomplish the goals mankind seeks. We need to publish this truth. Yes, we are to be just, loving, kind with others, but we cannot be caught up in social or political reforms. Instead, we are “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” Titus 2:13 (ESV)

Jesus could easily have mounted reform movements. But He did not. His purpose was to preach the truth that only God’s kingdom will have the power to establish righteousness. 

The Apostle Paul lived when Nero was emperor of Rome. Truly, Nero was a very evil man. Yet Paul wrote, “…I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, (WHY?) that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV) We are not to engage in reform movements, but we seek peace in order to preach the Gospel and to develop our characters. (See 2 Peter 1:4-7, 10-11.)

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (ESV) To be sanctified is to be set apart in holiness.

We all live in the world, but we are not of the world. 

When we are working to earn our livelihoods, we will be doing business with worldly people. However, after the workday is over, we must guard ourselves. We should not court the friendship, habits, and fellowship of the world. When the workday is done, we should separate ourselves and concentrate on the spiritual in order to survive.