We recently had the pleasure of returning a very expensive vehicle at the end of a 30 month lease. Interestingly enough, when we got to the dealership (the same dealership that offered us coffee, lunch, and pretty much anything we wanted when we started the lease), the dealer didn’t say so much as a word to us once he found out we would not be leasing another car. Then, we went to pick up our “new” car, not exactly fancy, actually maybe the ugliest car we’ve ever driven. Nobody really understood why we did this, that is, until we were around our church family… they got it (and of course, laughed hysterically at the car)!

Hebrews 13:12,13 says, “Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.” What does it mean to “go outside the camp”? It means that we must join Him outside the camp of this world; we are no longer subject to its systems and norms. Actually we are subject to the opposite, bearing the same reproach that our Savior did for not living up to those norms.

Now, driving an old (ugly) car to avoid a car payment is a choice and is certainly not on the same level nor is going to draw the same negative reaction that Jesus’ life did… of course! But that same chapter also challenges us to have a life “free from the love of money”. That was a struggle for us, so we made the choice to break it off! One (very) small step to living outside the camp with Him! Do whatever it is that you can to move toward living outside the camp with Him, but be ready… it’s no picnic. However, you can certainly look forward to the feast!