Standing in the gap

Ezekiel 22:30 (NKJV)

So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.

This was the theme verse for the Promise Keepers conference during one season. This is the Lord speaking about not being able to find a single man who would stand up for the Lord and who would build a wall between his people and the influences of the world. This does not mean that there is no contact with the world. There is a gap in the wall. But that gap needs to be guarded. I have heard people suggest that if they as a Christian would go to work in some secular industry commonly known to be a Christian free zone, that perhaps they might be able to influence them. That is a seemingly noble but still foolish thought. Usually what happens is rather than converting the world, the world converts us. Our influence should be from behind the protection of a "wall." That might be a strong family with a father who abides in the word of God. Or it might be a strong church. Whatever it is, it needs to be a community with strong leaders who can protect and discern good from bad. I know, this sounds a lot like a Quaker community. Not at all; I am not saying we don't take advantage of what the world has to offer, but we should have the gift of discernment supported by Godly leaders and loving relationships.