Esteemed Among Men

Moral danger and temptation beset our hearts. "That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." And the saint, in these days, is in great danger of having more of the mind of man in him than that of God. Look at even such a one as Samuel. When Eliab stood before him he said, "Surely the Lord's anointed is before him." 1 Sam. 16:6. But he looked where the Lord did not look. He eyed the countenance of the man, and the height of his stature, while the Lord eyed the heart. And we are also in danger, in these days of both religious and secular attractions, of mistaking Eliab for the Lord's anointed (2 Cor. 10:7).
Paul was held in some contempt at Corinth because of his bodily presence, which was weak. He was no Eliab; he was wanting in outward appearance. Even the disciples at Corinth were beguiled away from Paul.
All this is a warning to us in this solemn and significant day when man's exaltation of himself is growing swiftly. Things are judged by the mind of man, and their bearing on the advancement of the world.