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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There are spiritual fads and fashions that men follow as well as fads and fashions in clothing, music, architecture, and every other facet of earthly life. Since the 1960's, when the "charismatic" movement became popular, many false teachers arose who began to teach God's children and others to pursue earthly wealth. This spiritual fad is nothing new; Paul called it the "gain is godliness" gospel, and he said that it had caused an enormous amount of grief to some who believed in it.
"Riches" can be defined in various ways. Carnally minded men often pursue riches that will pass away, while overlooking some riches that are of eternal benefit. One of those undesired riches in particular is mentioned in the book of Hebrews. There, we are told that some of God's wise servants are men "rich in reproach". This kind of wealth is actually feared by most people, but it is one of the most precious of all forms of wealth. To be rich in reproach means that you have confessed the truth before men--the same men who despise true riches--and that you have suffered verbal abuse for it. Now, Paul wrote that "All who live righteously shall suffer persecution." So, the choices have already been designated for us by God. Either we cling to the deceitful riches of praise and popularity among men, or we obey God and become rich in the reproach that they will heap upon us. This is the wisdom behind one of Uncle Joe's "pearls" in a long-ago meeting of the saints at Grandma's farmhouse. Gathered with poor saints who were very rich in reproach for the faith of Jesus, he said, "You're either bearing his reproach or you are one." To which Preacher Clark replied, "Yes, and you're either being persecuted or you're persecuting others." This is so true. There is no middle ground when it comes to the walking in the Spirit of truth. Either you love it or you hate it. Either we are obeying God and, so, are "bearing his reproach" or we are disobeying God and are a reproach to the name of Jesus that we bear. Are you bearing the reproach of Christ, or are you a reproach to him?