April 7

Seek those things which are above. - Colossians 3:1.

HERE is a duty enjoined. The things themselves which are to engage the Christian’s attention are not described by their nature, but by their residence; but the one involves the other. Their residence shows their excellency, for unless they were excellent they would not be admitted there, “where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God.” There is no night, no pain, no sin, there; every thing is pure and attractive. “There is a peace which passeth all understanding, a joy which is unspeakable and full of glory.” Here we “see through a glass darkly, but then face to face;” but “when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” There are our beloved connections, with whom we “took sweet counsel and walked to the house of God in company.” There are the spirits of the just made perfect; there are patriarchs, and prophets, and apostles, and the noble army of martyrs. There is the innumerable company of angels; there He is who is fairer than the children of men:-

“Nor earth, nor sky, nor sun, nor stars,

Nor heaven, his full resemblance bears;

His beauties we can never trace

Till we behold him face to face.”

“In his presence is fulness of joy; at his right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” It is therefore easy to see why we should “seek those things which are above,” because they are necessary. While many things are desirable, and some things are important, one thing is absolutely needful. As Dr. Watts sings,-

“Without his graces and his self

I were a wretch undone.”

Whatever earthly possessions we might be able to command, they could never afford satisfaction. Earthly things can never fill the void in the immensity of a man’s expectations and desires, but God can fill the soul with all spiritual blessings in Christ. We should seek the things above, because they are attainable. We are not sure of success in our pursuits after earthly good; but here grace insures success, and if, like Mary, we have chosen the good part, it shall not be taken from us.

Observe the manner in which the things above are to be sought:- Diligently; the “sluggard desireth and hath not, because his hands refuse to labour.” Consistently; “Balaam said, Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his,” regardless of any concern to live the righteous man’s life. Pilate asked, What is truth? but waited not for a reply. With earnestness; “Strive to enter in at the strait gate, for many shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” This seeking must be supreme and immediate. Our Lord says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,”- first, in point of importance and precedence. Intensely; “Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Obediently; It is in a course of well-doing. Perseveringly; We are to seek for glory, honour, and immortality, until we obtain eternal life.