Why can't I associate with these people?

It's been a while since my last post.  However, the day is getting busier by the moment.  So, I will just stop and see what is in recent devotions.  I have moved on, slowly, in the book of Deuteronomy.  In reviewing recent notes, Deuteronomy 23.1-8 strikes me.  When reading this passage, my mind asked the question, "Who is restricted from entering 'the congregation of the Lord?'"
The answers I found are as follows:

• v1 - the eunch
• v2 - an illegitimate individual
• v3 - those of a different faith or persuasion

The obvious next question is, "why?"  Why would anyone not be welcome in the "congregation of the Lord."  "The congregation..."  God's people were forbidden to associate with the three groups labeled above.  Politically correct?  No, of course not!  Right with God in doing so?  Absolutely!

So, why are the three groups unable to "mix and mingle" with God's people, "the congregation of the Lord?"

Deuteronomy 23.14 reads, "For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy:  that He see no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee."
I see three things to answer today's question;

1. to deliver thee
2. to give up (destroy) thine enemies
3. be holy

The last point, being the most important to the other two, is key.
He says, "be ye holy, for I am holy." (I Pet 1.16, Lev 11, 19 & 20).  This is not a suggestion, it is a command from the OT & NT!  Logically speaking, "how can one be holy when mixing with unholy things?"
God called Himself an earthly people and a spiritual people.  Jew and Gentile.   If one is "of either group,"  there  is no excuse for being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers or believers (so-called), who practice in any way the characteristics of the three groups mentioned.

Rather than go into lengthy discussions about each group, it is my prayer, that anyone taking the time to read this post, will search out the matter.  The truth is from 2 Cor. 6.17, we are to live "separate" from this present world.  We are not "better than them," but we are to be separate and unspotted (Jms 1.27) from them.  Is it categorically, "us and them?"  Yes.  However, on further meditation, by grace we are in the category, "of some have compassion, making a difference." (Jude v22)

God bless you and keep you as you continue to "work out your own salvation (the way that you live) in fear and trembling." (Phil 2.12)