Daily Devotionals

Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God

Devotional: May 4th

Seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not.- Jeremiah 45:5.

The glorious company of the apostles, the goodly fellowship of the prophets, the noble army of martyrs, every member of the church of Christ in every age, were called to deny and mortify self. In this there is no difference: all are equally clothed with the same corrupt nature, are men of like passions, and are therefore in danger of self-seeking, and of having their affections attracted from Jesus, to the alluring objects of this present evil world. The scripture has recorded a very short chapter of the prophet Baruch’s conduct. On reading this we may truly look within, around us, and then look up and cry, "Lord, what is man?" and with astonishment may add, "that thou art mindful of him."

Yea, what is every Baruch (i.e. blessed man) who bends the knee to Jesus, and is renewed in the spirit of his mind? Alas! he is still of the earth, earthly, prone to cleave to the dust, ready to seek great things for himself, from the objects of time and sense. One would have thought, just at a time when the prophet had been reading the dreadful roll, full of mourning, lamentation and woe, which were shortly to come upon the kingdom, this would have entirely curbed every carnal desire after selfish views and earthly glory. But no; the lusts of the flesh can only be mortified by the power of the Spirit. Jeremiah is sent with a loving warning and tender prohibition to Baruch: ’Is this a time for self-seeking, instead of thy master’s glory? What! aspire after worldly honor and dignity in a time of threatened ruin: be wise; know thy station; act in character.’

Here, O Christian, see the picture of thy own corrupt nature. Know thyself; consider, thou also art in the body: remember, "in thy flesh dwelleth no good thing." Though under threatened ruin and destruction, yet it will lust after such things which are agreeable to its carnal state. Never say with Hazael, "Am I a dog that I should act thus and thus?" Beware of the deceitful reasonings of the flesh. It has ever plausible pleas to urge for its gratifications. Self-seeking is one of the lusts of the flesh. All views that arise from self, centre in self, and tend to please self, are contrary to fellowship in Jesus. If self is indulged, it will prove like a pampered steed, to run away with thy spirit from thy beloved. Therefore he asketh, "Seekest thou great things for thyself?" he forbids; "Seek them not." What will it profit thee if thou couldst gain the whole world and lose sweet peace with God, comfortable communion with Jesus, and the joyful fellowship of the Holy Ghost?" "Ye cannot serve God and Mammon."- Matthew 6:24.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Ephesians 6:13.

St. Paul was an experienced veteran in the camp of Christ. He had been in many campaigns: fought many battles under the Captain of his salvation, against the combined enemies, the world, the flesh, and the devil. He warns his fellow soldiers of their foes and dangers, by exhorting them to take, and put on, nothing less than the whole armor of God. The very same armor, which he himself fought in, is provided for us also. Blessed be God for that. So sure as Paul fought his way through, and safely arrived in glory, so shall we also, in this armor of God. O Christian, consider, this is not an armor of flesh and blood-not what is natural to man, or is in the power of man to provide for himself; but the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of the whole earth, hath provided it for all Christ’s soldiers. What is this armor of God? It is the Son of his love, the Lord Jesus himself. He is the Christian’s whole and complete armor In Christ alone he stands his ground, fights and conquers every enemy. Without Christ we can do nothing but faint and fly. Take this whole armor: put it on, saith St. Paul. Christ is yours. He is the gift of God to you. “Put on the Lord Jesus.” (Romans 13:14.) Just as one puts on an armor for defence, so take, put on, arm your minds with the whole person of Christ, his love, righteousness, and atonement, all his offices, yea, the whole salvation of Christ.

This, and nothing but this, what Christ is to us, and hath done for us, is proof against every enemy, in the evil day of battle That ye may be able to stand. O soldier, Christ is your strength. Your standing is by his power. Against all the wiles of the devil. Is Satan very cunning and very powerful; full of force and fraud? Is he too much for you to resist and conquer? Remember Christ is your whole armor All wisdom lies in the head. Christ is your head. He is to you made wisdom. All courage comes from the heart. “Christ dwells there by faith.” (Ephesians 3:17.) Thus armed, you are a match, an over match for the devil, and proof against all his devices. You can never fall, fail, or be wounded, while fighting in his armor “For you shall be strengthened by the Spirit’s might, in the inner man.” Satan must first wound Christ, before he can reach you: first conquer Christ, before he can conquer you. O then Christian, look at your armor, not at your weak, defenseless self. Be strong. Be of good courage. Shout your victory, more than conquerors, through Christ who loved us. Romans 8:37.

Without the armor of my God,

I cannot stand against one foe;

O may I daily put it on,

And thereby vanquish ev’ry woe.