A Proper Estimate

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 23, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 37.

A Proper Estimate.

THE Christian manifests the excellency of his character by the estimate he places upon the world, its wealth, its pride, its fashion, its folly. Although in the world, he is not of the world. He is not conformed to its spirit. His treasure is not here. Hence the apostle exhorts, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” And Christ teaches, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.”

It is not surprising that the men of the world love the things of the world, its wealth, its pleasures, its show, for those constitute their treasure—their all. But the Christian should show his superiority to the world by placing a comparatively light estimate on these things. They do not constitute his treasure, they are not the source of his chief joy. He has a richer inheritance and a more abiding source of comfort and consolation. While this is the case, he should not permit his mind to be engrossed with the things of this world, and his spirit to be captivated with the pleasures of sense. While a partaker of true riches and spiritual joys, he should despise the gain of ungodliness and the sinful pleasures and gratifications of the world, showing that he has a higher and purer source of enjoyment. This the true Christian does. He esteems the favor of God above riches, and the pleasures and comforts of religion above earthly joys.—Sel.