“SET YOUR AFFECTIONS ON THINGS ABOVE.”
By Sarah Clarke
“Set your affections on things above, and not on things on the earth.” This is a plain command, and one may think at first thought that it is an easy one to obey, nothing difficult about it; but as you enter upon it, before you are aware, unless you are very watchful and prayerful, your affections are where the precious word has plainly stated they should not be. Yes, your treasure is here; but perhaps you do not know this, and if any one should ask you if you had a good hope, a sure foundation, your reply would be, I have. And how many in the great day of God will be self-deceived in regard to their hope! Sad thought! If we would make sure of the eternal inheritance, we must walk very carefully and humbly. And just now, how important that we examine ourselves. David says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” That word may inspire us with hope and courage, if we will but take hold of it, and study it, feeling that our eternal life depends upon it. And if we feel that we must have eternal life, we must work for it, live for it, strive for it, lest we be found sleeping at our post, and finally have to take up with the sad lamentation, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Who can imagine or conceive of the heart-rending cries that will go forth with these words? Now, now, while probation lingers is the time to make sure work.