Lately, I've been feeling like a complete stranger
to the world. I've been feeling vast incompatibility between my life and the
lives of those around me.
It has occurred to me that my faith and lifestyle
are “strange”, and have no place whatsoever in this modern world. The things I
believe in are deemed folly by not only the world, but even the Christians of
today. While those I shun and believe to be abomination, have become a normal
part of life to everyone, yes; including ‘Christians’. From what I wear and
don’t, to how I entertain myself or spend my free time, they all seem so
foolish and insipid. I feel like such an outcast!, and I feel that the only way
to live this life, is to shun off from the world. Not to be an isolationist but to be a Christian whose life speaks of a different land , and whose conduct is influenced by things heavenly.
Now I understand what they mean by the following; the reproach of Christ, a peculiar people, pilgrims, not of this world…
Hebrews {11:13} These all died in faith, not having
received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of
them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and
pilgrims on the earth.
{11:26} Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater
riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of
the reward.
{13:12} Wherefore Jesus also, that he might
sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
{13:13} Let us go forth therefore unto him without
the camp, bearing his reproach.
1 Peter {2:11} Dearly beloved, I beseech you as
strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.
Deuteronomy {26:18} And the LORD hath avouched thee
this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou
shouldest keep all his commandments.
{14:2} for thou art an holy people unto the LORD
thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself,
above all the nations that are upon the earth.
