Scriptural precedent dictates that the closer one gets to God, the lonelier is the walk. As supporting evidence I offer: 1) the progressive nature of the Israelite temple courts, 2) the public ministry of our Lord, and 3) our own exodus out of organized religion.
Speaking of Exodus, the temptation for anyone drawn outside the mainstream by God is the desire to return to one's comfort zone, wherein lay the people and, most of all, the popularity. Israel in the wilderness wished to return to Egypt. The religious refugee wants to go back to church. Yet what is the exhortation of Christ Himself?
"No one, putting forth his hand on a plow and looking behind, is fit in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62).
