Earth is to its inhabitants, neither a paradise nor a desert. If it
has not all the beautiful scenes and productions of a paradise, so neither
has it all the dreariness and desolation of a desert. This world is
called "a valley of tears," but it is not less true that it is sometimes
a valley without the tears. It often wears a smiling aspect, and reflects the
light of God's graciousness and bounty.
We know very well that man's chief portion lies in
the blessings of salvation, and the hope of eternal glory. These are so
vast as almost to reduce all else to nothing. Full pardon of sin, and the
hope of an eternity of pure and perfect felicity, are such amazing
expectations, as might seem to render us absolutely indifferent alike to poverty and riches; pain and ease; obscurity and
renown.
How little would it signify to him who was going to take possession of a kingdom and a throne, whether he traveled through a desert or a garden; or whether he dined meagerly or sumptuously; or whether he had all best accommodations and conveniences along the way. His thoughts would be so engrossed with the permanent scenes of greatness, grandeur, power, and wealth before him—as to be almost insensible to the privations or comforts along the way. So it is, with a Christian traveling to glory, honor, immortality and eternal life!
How little would it signify to him who was going to take possession of a kingdom and a throne, whether he traveled through a desert or a garden; or whether he dined meagerly or sumptuously; or whether he had all best accommodations and conveniences along the way. His thoughts would be so engrossed with the permanent scenes of greatness, grandeur, power, and wealth before him—as to be almost insensible to the privations or comforts along the way. So it is, with a Christian traveling to glory, honor, immortality and eternal life!
It is incumbent upon Christians to let their spirit and
conduct be consistent with the hope of eternal glory, in that eminent
spirituality and heavenliness of mind, which are manifested in a supreme,
constant, and practical regard to divine and eternal things.
[John Angell James]
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Colossians 3:1-2 ... If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
2 Timothy 2:10 ... Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
2 Corinthians 4:17 ... For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
Titus 2:13 ... Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; ❤
