Heavenly Pearl

There are some who seem to be always seeking for the heavenly pearl. But they do

not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits. They do not die to self that Christ

may live in them. Therefore they do not find the precious pearl. They have not overcome

unholy ambition and their love for worldly attractions. They do not take up the cross and

follow Christ in the path of self-denial and sacrifice. Almost Christians, yet not fully Christians,

they seem near the kingdom of heaven, but they cannot enter there. Almost but not wholly

saved, means to be not almost but wholly lost. (COL 118.1)