“And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to you. Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given me that they may be one, as we are. … I pray not that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil.” John 17:11, 15.

“By His own example the Saviour has shown that His followers can be in the world and yet not of the world. He came not to partake of its delusive pleasures, to be swayed by its customs, and to follow its practices, but to do His Father’s will, to seek and save the lost. With this object before him the Christian may stand uncontaminated in any surroundings. Whatever his station or circumstances, exalted or humble, he will manifest the power of true religion in the faithful performance of duty.

Not in freedom from trial, but in the midst of it, is Christian character developed. Exposure to rebuffs and opposition leads the follower of Christ to greater watchfulness and more earnest prayer to the mighty Helper. Severe trial endured by the grace of God develops patience, vigilance, fortitude, and a deep and abiding trust in God. It is the triumph of the Christian faith that it enables its followers to suffer and be strong; to submit, and thus to conquer; to be killed all the day long, and yet to live; to bear the cross, and thus to win the crown of glory.” The Acts of the Apostles, p. 467.

Questions to think about:

What does our Saviour’s example tell us?

As Christ’s disciples, do we follow and manifest the power of true religion?

In which way Christ teaches us to become like Him?