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.
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From conversations with Preacher Clark in the 1970’s
Preacher Clark used to comment that “A person has to be pure in heart to stand me.” This was said with some humor, but it was, in fact, true. And when we read the story contained in the four Gospels, we see that it was a reality in Jesus’ life. No one could bear to be around him for any length of time unless that person had a pure heart. If there was a hidden sin in the hearts of any one of Jesus’ followers, that follower would at some point become offended at something Jesus said. There was just too much light in Jesus for the darkness to be able to endure it. The power of Jesus’ words would, at some point along the way, expose and reprove any ungodliness. Only the pure in heart could bear to walk with Jesus for long.
I suppose then, the issue that we need to address is, how long can an unclean spirit feel comfortable around us? If we are like our Lord Jesus, every evil thing will be brought to light and flee from us at some point, even if it takes a few years. And if we are like Jesus, we will not even have to try to make it happen. The pure love we will show, and the wisdom the holy Ghost gives, will do it all for us, as those same things did it for Jesus. Those who make it their mission in life to expose the sins of others usually become cruel and hypocritical. Just the life Jesus lived brought to light the truth about everyone around him. It was not something he planned to do; it was the result of his own humble obedience to his Father. That is the way of true holiness; it is not against anyone, but anyone with an impure heart will think that it is against them.