Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
“Hearken unto me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek the LORD. Look unto the rock from which you are hewn, and to the pit from which you were dug. Look unto Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, your mother, for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.”
Isaiah 51:1-2
“Enter at the strait gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there be who go in at that place. How strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leads into life, and few there be who find it.”
Jesus, in Matthew 7:13-14
The way of true holiness will never be popular. The vast majority of this world’s inhabitants has always misunderstood and will always be opposed to God’s righteousness and truth. At this particular time in history, as has happened before, even the majority of God’s own people are antagonistic to the truth of Christ. Our goal is not to persuade the world of what is holy and right, but simply to persuade the saints of God of it.
Child of God, if you think that the will of God is for you to win the world to Christ, you are carrying a burden that even Jesus did not touch. He came to seek and to save the lost sheep of God, not those who loved and belonged to the world. He did not even pray for the world (Jn. 17:9) because he knew that the world will never submit to the righteousness of God. “Winning the world to Christ” may be an impressive slogan, but it makes no sense whatsoever. It will never be done.
God does not call us to popularity and earthly wealth. He calls His people to loneliness and to persecution. Within that narrow path of true holiness is fellowship with others, but only with the few others who also have been called by God. Some years back, Jesus gave me this admonition: “Neither expect nor desire any big thing, but make your work perfect.” God wants quality, and He is not at all impressed with quantity.
God wants His children separated from the religious hoopla of men so that He can teach them. Men would keep us so busy with their religious activities that we have no time for Jesus. It is when we respond to the call of God and find ourselves alone that He can truly deal with us and instruct our hearts. No one will ever be made like Jesus until he finds himself alone with God.