May 4 AM

Seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not. Jer. 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." Matt. 6:24.