Leaving the world is an absolute necessity that no believer can avoid, for this is the price that must be paid by those who desire to gain Christ in their lives. Paul wrote in Philippians 3:7-8: “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”
We all know that this world is becoming increasingly corrupted and unreliable. Most people suffer. Therefore, we should set our hearts on heaven and no longer be bound to the world. Do not be attracted to wealth or worldly possessions, except when they are helpful for ministry. Paul emphasized: “I consider them garbage.” Garbage is something useless and worthy of being discarded. In the same way, worldly matters should never bind us. If we have facilities or possessions, that is not wrong—but let us not attach our hearts to them.
We must become spiritually beautiful Christians, not merely outwardly attractive, for what is eternal is our spirituality. For this reason, we must take an extreme stance. Without it, we will not succeed. Saul—later known as Paul—at first persecuted Christians, not because he was evil, but because he did not see the truth. He thought he was defending Elohim Yahweh. But when the Lord Jesus encountered him, he repented and left everything behind. From that moment, Paul lived only for Christ.
Sadly, many Christians remain worldly. It is pitiful, for by the time they reach a certain age, they cannot change, and thus never become truly spiritual Christians.
The true Christianity Jesus taught is His very life. Therefore, if from the beginning we do not leave the world, even until death, we will never be free from it. We will become the bride of the world, not the bride of Christ. The most unmistakable mark of a true Christian is leaving the world. Those who leave the world have no other desire but God and His Kingdom. Because of this, we may be abandoned by family, friends, or colleagues. But we have an eternal friend: Jesus Christ.
Let us not be proud. Today, we may be wealthy, have connections with high officials, hold honorable positions, and possess a fine education. We may feel there is nothing to fear. We may be preoccupied with many personal matters, yet neglect the affairs of God. If this is so, we will regret it. Let us have one desire only: to please the Father. To live in such a way that we harm no one. To keep a pure heart, a pure mind, and truthful speech—all to delight His heart. God has given us free will: whether to honor Him or not, whether to choose God or the world—it is up to us.
Therefore, we must give the whole space in our lives to God and His Kingdom, and this can be done by making Him our deepest longing, learning His Word, and refusing to provide room to worldly matters or old habits that once bound us. Making God the goal of life means we must leave the world. Thus, we must pay attention to our daily habits. In truth, our willingness to leave the world is the preparation for our eternity as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Those who fail in worldly life are often quicker to leave the world, for they never had the chance to enjoy it. By contrast, those who live in comfort usually forget.