Love not the World by M. D. Byington

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 16, 1858

Love not the World.

By M. D. Byington

THE true christian does not love the world. His mind is elevated above it. His affections center on higher, nobler objects than those so defaced by sin and its effects. Earth's cares and toil weary him, and he pants for a better country—the land long since promised to the faithful; and by faith he views it near. This world is not his home. He is but a stranger and sojourner here, as all his fathers were. Its pride and follies are nothing to him. He knows their falsity, and chooses a more enduring substance, even eternal joys. He shares in life's conflicts and sorrow for a season, but it is with his eye fixed upon the world to come, the heavenly mansions purchased so freely, yet so dearly, by his Saviour's blood.

Thus he is encouraged forward, pursuing the rough, thorny path, faint and worn, while thousands around him are gliding on and on in the broad way, seeking their treasure in a fallen world. Said the Apostle, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. But the world is full of its votaries. Only a feeble, scattered few are struggling against its tide of sin. Yet they may be strong, strong in their Saviour who overcame. The things that are in the world may have their care, but should not possess their hearts. Our study should not be, how to conform to the world, but how to show ourselves approved unto God.

If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him. How plain is this declaration of the holy Scriptures! And it is true but little of the Spirit of that Being who is holy and just in all his ways, possesses the hearts of Adam's fallen race. It has been almost extinguished. Ambition and love of the world are taking its place. Yet God has a people on the earth who are seeking for his Spirit, and the truth of his word. Their hearts are being stirred by its warming influence. The love of this world is waning from their hearts, and even now they lift their heads and look up to greet the approach of their coming King. The final conflict is hastening on, and they are fitting for it. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt, they have respect unto the recompense of the reward. And let us think of those mansions as real. Let us call to mind all that is beautiful and glorious, all that is refining and elevating, of which we know or can form an idea, in our conceptions of those unfading promises. There is no danger of our over-drawing the picture. Then contrast it with the reward of those who are choosing the pleasures of sin, the lovers of this world, who have their portion here, and who will not like one of old, choose the better part, a prospective but certain possession, unsullied by sin, and consequently void of sorrow, made up of perfect bliss.

M. D. BYINGTON.

Ceresco, Mich.