If we are touched with the sense of our relationship to Christ and the responsibility of that relationship, rigid obedience would flow out [in our lives]. And obedience is the only thing in which a Christian should be rigid.
Obedience to Christ will keep us from latitudinarianism (looseness in Christian doctrine) while nearness to Christ will keep us from sectarianism. (Sectarianism is an interest in a little circle around ourselves.)
Obedience to Christ would give us a feeling as to, and an interest in, the whole church of God, for Christ loves nothing less. And then I shall refuse to own anything that is not the bride of Christ, but be ready always to acknowledge and receive that which is the bride of Christ.
The one desire of my heart is the beauty and the blessing of the church the bride of Christ. That will make me earnestly love all saints, for they are of it. I desire its entire separation to Christ to whom she belongs espoused as a chaste virgin with my feet in the narrow way and my heart as large as Christ’s.
J. N. Darby (excerpt)