July 20

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." — Colossians 3:2.

THE grace of God is an elevating principle, leading the mind from the trifling objects of time, to the grand realities of eternity. As the Christian is said to suffer with Christ, to be crucified and buried with him, so he is represented as being risen with him; vers. 1. Observe

THE SCOPE OF THE APOSTOLIC INJUNCTION. Here is

A prohibition. We are forbidden to set our affections on things on the earth. We must not pay an undue regard to them — we must not expect too much from them — we must keep them in their proper place — hold them with a loose hand — give the preference to other objects; and be ready to yield them up at the Divine pleasure.

An exhortation. We are required to set our affections on things above. What things? Those objects that belong to the heavenly state, and those principles and feelings that are associated with our preparation for it: both are included in the term. Our affections are to be set on those things which are connected with the heavenly state; love to the Saviour, fellowship with his people, the enjoyment of ordinances, the cultivation of holy tempers and dispositions, in order to our better preparation for the eternal world; entire conformity to the Divine image, and perfect resignation to the Divine will. The subject requires us to estimate the real worth of things.

to exercise a lively faith in invisible realities, and to have a heart weaned from the world.

THE MOTIVES BY WHICH IT MAY BE ENFORCED. Paul assigns several reasons in the following verses, 3 and 4. There are many considerations which should urge you to it.

Your dignified character. Think of the high distinctions which are associated with the possession of religion; and if you are real Christians, act up to your professions.

Your distinguished advantages. God has blest you with an abundance of spiritual means and resources, and you are accountable for the right use of them; you have golden seasons and valuable opportunities for so doing.

Your present enjoyments. There can be no solid comfort and happiness in licking the dust like the serpent; but heaven is begun below, when in the enjoyment of spiritual blessings you eat angels' food.

Your future destinies. If you would realize at last the full possession of heavenly things, you must set your affections on them now.

How have we to mourn our carnality and earthly mindedness! Let Christ be in our heart, and heaven in our eye, and then the world will be under our feet.