My prayer is not that You take them

My prayer is not that You take them

" My prayer is not that You take them out of the world —but that You protect them from the evil!" <John 17:15

This petition occurs in the prayer which our Lord offered, not only for the disciples by whom He was then surrounded—but also for His redeemed people in all ages.

From it, we may gather that they are mistaken who withdraw from the ordinary occupations and relations of life, and seclude themselves in monasteries. So far from encouraging withdrawal from the world, after this manner, our Lord said, that as His Father sent Him into the world—so He also sends His disciples into the world. Again, He said, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven."

It is from the evil of the world that Christians are to withdraw—from its pomps and vanities, from its unholy associations and sinful pleasures.

O Lord, may I be willing to live in the world as a sphere of service, until You shall take me from it—but while I am in it, keep me, I beg You, from the evil of it.

While in the world, I yet remain,
O keep my spirit free from stain;
Preserve me 'midst its many snares,
Temptations, and corroding cares!

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