Character
In the members of Christ, even those in whom much excellency of character is manifest, too often, alas! we find the “flies of death” in the apothecary’s ointment (Eccles. 10:1)1; but in the Lord Jesus all excellences are blended in full perfection and harmony: He is the “altogether lovely” (Song Sol. 5:16)2. But oh for a conversion of saints! - that we who are renewed, anointed, and sealed by the Spirit of God; that we in whom dwells that Holy Spirit of promise, who are the temple of God - might be altogether like our Lord, altogether pleasing to Him Blessed be God His people Israel must be by-and-by His delightsome child knowing and doing His will. (Isa. 62)3
Walking with God teaches us the courtesy and kindness of love.
We do not glorify God so much by what we do, as by what we are. It is the spirit of our mind which glorifies Him. “I dwell,” says Jehovah, “in the high and holy place; with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” (Isa. 57:15.)4
If we walk much with God and with Christ, it will give us a certain rightness of character, so that we shall have the ready grace for every circumstance.
God with us makes our service honourable, be that service what it may.
Fußnoten
Ecclesiastes 10: 1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.↩︎
Song of Solomon 5: 16 His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.↩︎
Isaiah 57: 15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.↩︎