December 26

Twenty-third Thursday after Trinity

For our conversation is in heaven. Philippians 3:20.

WE are citizens not of this world, but of heaven, "where our life is hid with Christ in God," "from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." Our life is one of expectation, not of enjoyment; we are in a place which does not belong to us, nor we to it; as strangers we might say, and exiles far from home. But this is not all, for we bear about with us a body of death; we have a close-pursuing and inseparable enemy ever about us, and in whose country we dwell, which is this flesh, and which will overcome us, unless by daily dying we succeed in subduing it. It is this flesh ever with us and influencing our hearts which would make a god of this world's consolations; which glories in subduing the immortal spirit to itself, and fills the mind with earthly things. With this we contend, and long to be released from this contest with it, and therefore we look for the Saviour. Therefore be ye as children of the light; put on the armour of light; put on, be clothed all over with the Lord Christ. Be conformable to Him, do all things for His sake, love all men in Him, let Him dwell within you, and dwell ye in Him more and more, clothe yourselves with Him, be armed with Him. Your heart, your hands, your feet—let all your members be in Him. Ever remember that your conversation is in heaven.

Members of Christ, children of God, Inheritors of heaven,

What titles, what a bright abode Mercy to man hath given!

Great God, how grateful we should be For all that Thou hast done

To make poor sinners one with Thee, Through Thine eternal Son!