God has scattered His children in various communities that the light of truth may be kept shining amid the moral darkness that enshrouds the earth. The deeper the darkness around us, the greater the need that our light should shine for God. We may be placed in circumstances of great difficulty and trial, but this does not prove that we are not in the very position assigned us by Providence. Among the Christians at Rome in Paul’s day the apostle mentions them “that are of Caesar’s household.” Nowhere could the moral atmosphere be more unfavorable to Christianity than at that Roman court under the cruel and profligate Nero. Yet those who had, while in the emperor’s service, accepted Christ did not feel at liberty, after their conversion, to leave their post of duty. In the face of seductive temptations, fierce opposition, and appalling dangers they were faithful witnesses for Christ. {5T 182.2}

Gud har spredt sine børn til forskellige samfund, så sandhedens lys kan skinne midt i det moralmørke, som omgiver jorden. Jo tættere mørket omgiver os, des større behov er der for at lyset skal skinne fra Gud. Vi kan sættes under meget vanskelige og prøvende omstændigheder, men dette beviser ikke at vi er i den position Forsynet har tilskikket os. Blandt de kristne i Rom, på Paulus' tid, nævner apostlen dem »der hører til kejserens hus.« Intetsteds kunne en moral-atmosfære være bedre for kristenheden end i de romerske sale, under den grusomme og udsvævende Nero. De, i kejserens tjeneste, som havde antaget Kristus, følte sig ikke fri, efter deres omvendelse, til at forlade deres pligtspost. Overfor tillokkende fristelser, hård modstand og forfærdende farer, var de trofaste vidner for Kristus.