In the members of Christ, even those in whom much excellency
of character is manifest, too often, alas! we find the "flies
of death" in the apothecary's ointment (Eccles. 10:1); but in
the Lord Jesus all excellences are blended in full perfection
and harmony: He is the "altogether lovely" (Song Sol. 5:16).
But oh for a conversion of saints!—that we who are renewed,
anointed, and sealed by the Spirit of God; that we in whom dwells
that Holy Spirit of promise, who are the temple of God—might
be altogether like our Lord, altogether pleasing to Him Blessed
be God His people Israel must be by-and-by His delightsome child
knowing and doing His will. (Isa. 62)
Walking with God teaches us the courtesy and kindness of love.
We do not glorify God so much by what we do, as by what we are.
It is the spirit of our mind which glorifies Him. "I dwell,"
says Jehovah, "in the high and holy place; with him also that
is of a contrite and humble spirit." (Isa. 57:15.)
If we walk much with God and with Christ, it will give us a certain
_rightness of character_, so that we shall have the ready grace
for every circumstance.
God with us makes our service honourable, be that service what
it may.