Called to Be Separate

Q: Unfortunately, I feel so at home in this world. I am comfortable and enjoying a good life. I am afraid that this dampens my anticipation of heaven. How can I become a pilgrim and stranger in this world? How can I let go of my attachment for earthly things, and begin to really long for Jesus to come?

A: Our carnal natures naturally cling to “the things which are seen.” Satan seeks to weave our affections around our houses, possessions, money, and associations until we think of, talk of, and love this earthly life so much that we really do not look forward to the coming of Jesus. Many would admit, if only secretly, that they hope the coming of Jesus holds off for a few more years. The evil servant in Jesus’ parable said, “My Lord delayeth His coming,” and began to eat and drink with the drunken. Matthew 24:48, 49.

            You need to surrender your heart to Jesus. Ask Him to help you “set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2.

            In addition to this, there are practical steps we must take.  We will consider just one. Jesus once met a young man whose life was wrapped up in his worldly possessions. Jesus instructed him to keep the commandments, and after that, “go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” Matthew 19:21.

            Jesus gives us good counsel in Luke 12:29-36. “And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.  For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.  But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you…. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;  and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.” 

The nations of the world seek for material possessions. As pilgrims and strangers, we are to be different. Our treasure is not to be in this world. If your heart is entwined around the earth, it is because that is where your treasure is. If your treasure is in heaven, your heart and affections will be there. Jesus counsels those who have an excess to sell and share their bounties with the poor, thus laying up for them-selves treasures in heaven. This is one way we can help to turn our hearts from this earth.

Look around your home. Are there extra clothes and dishes that you do not need? Are there curtains packed away in boxes that could be shared with a needy family? Are there some electronics that could be sold to help provide free literature and evangelists to spread the gospel? Are there decorations that tie your heart to your earthly home, which could also be sold?

Selling excess, unneeded earthly possess-ions can help to provide means for God’s work. Sharing household necessities with well-chosen poor families can show the love of Christ in a practical way. Thinning out our wardrobe can enable us to break free from articles of clothing that are not in harmony with God’s principles. Even if all our clothing is appropriate for a Christian, having an excess of it still breeds vanity, love of display, and thus attachment to this world. Freeing ourselves from some of our electronics can enable us to find more undistracted time for God.

The Lord may even call us to lay off some things that in themselves are good, but which are hindering us from doing His will. Get out of your comfort zone by seeking God earnestly, and letting go of those earthly possessions that tie you to this world.

            We live in an age of luxury, but many people in this sad world still live on a level of poverty, ignorance, non-existent sanitation, and poor healthcare. Do we really need to buy all of those luxuries? What things are on your wish list? An electric can opener, an electric vegetable chopper, a new casserole dish, a new set of silverware, new curtains to match the furniture better, a floral display for the living room, a pair of shoes to match a new dress, perfume or hair accessories, a better laptop computer, a music CD or two, a fancier lawnmower, a golf club, a more modern digital camera, accessories for the car, exercise equipment that really isn’t needed, what? Pray over the things you want to purchase. Pray over the things you already have. Are they tying you to this earth? Are they hindering you from fulfilling God’s plan for you? Are they cumbering your flexibility, so that if God ever called you to go out, as He did Abraham, you would be unable to obey? 

We want to be the servants waiting for our Lord to return from the wedding, so that when He cometh and knocketh, we may open unto Him immediately.

We are pilgrims and strangers who are waiting, hoping, and praying for that blessed hope,

the glorious appearing of our

Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

If we believe this and bring it into our practical life,

what vigorous action would this

faith and hope inspire;

what fervent love one for another; what careful holy living

for the glory of God;

and in our respect for the recompense of the reward,

what distinct lines of demarcation would be evidenced between

us and the world.”

E. G. White, Evangelism, page 220

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