"There is a special sense of urgency infusing itself into many church members everywhere that says, quietly, but insistently- this is the time for us to choose! It is not just that God will insist that we choose for our own sake, but that those that depend on us, or use us as a reference point, need and deserve to know which way we are going. It is no good posing as a lifeguard if one is a non-swimmer. It is no good being a guide if one leaves his post and wanders with the multitude in search of another way. "for there is none other way," especially at a time when there is a sharper and sharper divergence in the ways of the world and the straight and narrow way. The disciple must not only stand in 'holy places' but on holy issues and 'not be moved.'
In short, the events of our time and spiritual decay in the world have produced for us the equivalent situation faced by many disciples who followed Jesus. They followed him until he began to preach the 'hard sayings' -the doctrine that really demand not only belief, but performance: doctrine which would distinguish them from their contemporary society. The Lord wants us to put some distance-behaviorally-between ourselves and the world, not because we love mankind less, but precisely because we do love men. It is for the world's sake that we must sanctify ourselves. When Jesus' followers faced their moment of truth, John records, 'From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.' Jesus turned to the remainder and queried them, 'Will ye also go away?" Neal A. Maxwell
I keep this quote in my office and in my personal scriptures... it is a perfect reminder to me that at some time we will all face that moment when we are asked by the Lord to "follow Him". What we may have to give or give up could stand in the way of us accepting that invitation if we are not fully committed our own personal discipleship. What would He ask of me that I could not or would not eagerly give? Standing in holy places and on holy issues sometimes means standing alone. When the rest of the world walks no more with Christ... I want to stand unwavering... firm in my testimony that Jesus is the Christ. His way is my way...
