December 1

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity

Walk circumspectly. Ephesians 5:15.

WHAT is S. Paul saying? "See that ye walk circumspectly." He knew that His Master, when He sent His disciples "as sheep in the midst of wolves," further charged them to be also "as doves." "Ye shall be harmless," saith He, "as doves." Forasmuch then as they were both amongst wolves, and were commanded not to defend themselves but to suffer evil, they needed this admonition, "Look how ye walk." Whole cities were at war with them; yea, this war made its way also into houses. They heard Christ say, "He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me." Lest they should think that he was introducing nothing but wars and fighting, he says, "See that ye walk circumspectly." Show all deference and obedience, whenever it does no harm to the message, whenever it does not stand in the way of godliness. The following will help us to carry the advice of S. Paul into effect in our everyday life. Be as little alive as may be to what is going on in the world around you. Keep diligent guard over your senses and the impressions they receive from outward things. Beware that your heart be not absorbed by creature love. Look to God's Word and look to your own heart and life. Consider whether they agree together. He who rejects God in his daily life, what wonder if God rejects him in his season of prayer.

Old friends, old scenes, will lovelier be, As more of heaven in each we see; Some softening gleam of love and prayer Shall dawn on every cross and care.