What then did he mean? by Alexander
Smiley from On the Secret Place 1907 They are not of the world even
as I am not of the world. John chapter 17 verse 16 Christ
did not mean that I am to withdraw and seclude myself from society. He did not do so himself. He
came and dwelt with sinners and he bids me to walk in his footsteps. I am to live in the world as
a holy child of God. Neither did he mean that I am
to be censurous towards those around me. There was no censurousness
in him. Wherever he went, his presence
diffused sunshine and warmth and joy. He does not wish me
to moralize on the defects and errors of others. He has no desire
that I should be fault-finding, critical, or harsh. I may be
unsparing in judging myself, but in my thoughts and words
regarding others there must be all considerateness, all forbearance,
all patience and hope. What then did he mean? that I
am not to consider myself to be at home in this world, that
every day I must show myself to be a citizen of heaven, that
there must be an easily perceived difference between me and those
who do not travel beyond the present realm of things, that,
however friendly I am with others, I must hold aloof from their
sinful habits and recreations, I must make them understand that
my work is to glorify God, that my model is Christ, and that
my citizenship is in heaven. Again, let me consider my Master. None drew closer to men and women
than he, yet there was always a holy distinction felt and seen. Enemies and friends recognized
it, and I am to have such an intense personal devotion to
him that I shall be found only where I firmly believe he would
be. and that I shall practise and
follow only what he approves. It is to be my one fear that
I would hurt his kind heart. Here is my rule. Not of the world,
even as he was not of the world. The rule is to be operative everywhere. It will cast out of my business
whatever is evil, and I shall count it impossible to do anything
false or unjust in the workshop and the counting-house. It will
hallow my amusements. I shall suspect any amusement
into which the thought of Christ intrudes like a shadow, and welcome
the happiness to which He goes with me. It will direct me in
whatever I read. Everything must be consistent
with Christ's holiness. It will direct me wherever I
go. I shall hear His voice among the trees of the garden. and
not be afraid. It is the motto for the whole
of my history. I am to do whatever Jesus would
do if he were here in my place. you