But while Christians are to be distinct from the world, they are not to seclude themselves, raising a wall between themselves and their fellows, because of the temptations that they fear will assail them. They have a work to do for those around them. Great sacrifices have been made for their redemption, and Christ says to them, "Freely ye have received, freely give." Temptations will assail them, their work will be made hard; for their foes will be tireless in their efforts to dishearten them. But Christ is their Leader, the Captain of their salvation. If they are clothed with the whole armor of God, if they fight as in view of the heavenly universe, they will conquer in his name.
When trials come to those who have separated from the world, is it not enough for them to know that Christ endured the same afflictions? He was the Majesty of heaven, the well-beloved Son of God. But when he came to this earth to deliver men from the bondage of sin, they saw in him no beauty, that they should desire him. They did not understand his union with the Father; they had no conception of his divine character. "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not." The world's Redeemer was "despised and rejected of men." Those whom he came to save esteemed him "stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted."
Even so it is with the followers of Christ. They are the sons and daughters of God, joint-heirs with Christ. The kingdoms of the world belong to them. But worldly men are actuated by worldly principles; they can understand no others. They see a people few in number, weak and unpopular, struggling against evil. In their ranks very few of the wealthy or learned are to be seen. They see them bearing the cross of humiliation, acquainted with sorrow and grief. They see them afflicting their souls before God, chastened and humbled because of their sins. All this the world sees, and they think that there is nothing desirable in the lot of a Christian. ST, December 17, 1896 par. 10-12
But tho God's people are strangers among men, accounted weak, foolish, and unworthy of notice, tho the world fails to discern the relationship that exists between them and God, yet they are more precious in his sight than the gold of Ophir. "It doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." {ST, December 17, 1896 par. 13}
"Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." DA 193
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (New International Version)