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Christ’s Followers to Differ From the World, September 21
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own
special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out
of darkness into His marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9
, NKJV.
As we read the Word of God, how plain it appears that His people are to be
peculiar and distinct from the unbelieving world around them. Our position is
interesting and fearful; living in the last days, how important that we imitate the
example of Christ, and walk even as He walked. “If any man will come after me, let
him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” The opinions and wisdom
of mortals must not guide or govern us. They always lead away from the cross.
The servants of Christ have neither their home nor their treasure here. Would
that all of them could understand that it is only because the Lord reigns that we
are even permitted to dwell in peace and safety among our enemies. It is not our
privilege to claim special favors of the world. We must consent to be poor and
despised among men and women, until the warfare is finished and the victory won.
The members of Christ are called to come out and be separate from the friendship
and spirit of the world; their strength and power consists in being chosen and
accepted of God....
The world is ripening for its destruction. God can bear with sinners but a
little longer. They must drink the dregs of the cup of His wrath unmixed with
mercy. Those who will be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ to the immortal
inheritance, will be peculiar. Yes, so peculiar that God places a mark upon them
as His, wholly His. Think ye that God will receive, honor, and acknowledge a
people so mixed up with the world that they differ from them only in name? Read
again
Titus 2:13-15
. It is soon to be known who is on the Lord’s side, who will
not be ashamed of Jesus. Those who have not moral courage to conscientiously
take their position in the face of unbelievers, leave the fashions of the world, and
imitate the self-denying life of Christ are ashamed of Him, and do not love His
example.—
Testimonies for the Church 1:286, 287
.
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