But while these practical suggestions may be helpful to some who are doubtful as to their practical conduct, it is important for us to remember well that the root of conformity to the world is not found in those practices which lie on the surface, but in the deep affections of the natural heart; so that whatever rules we adopt we are conformed to the world when we are living for the things of the world. We found at the outset that the men of the world are described as those who have their portion in this life. So we are conformed to the world when the portion in this life is the great end and object of our pursuit. Turning to the epistle of St. Paul to Titus we find that the grace of God which bringeth salvation is to have a twofold effect on the character. It is to wean, and to attract. The weaning process is described, when he says, ‘Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;’ and the attractive power in the words, ‘Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.’ Now we must not suppose that by the word ‘lust’ is meant only sensuality. It is the old English word for desire. Thus, worldly desires, or desires after the world, are placed side by side with ungodliness, and both are to be denied by those who know the grace of God which bringeth salvation. Here lies the root of the matter. If the affections are still fixed on the world, and the desires bent on it, it is in vain to tell a man that in practice he shall not be conformed to it. Where his treasure is there will his heart be also, and where the heart leads the way, the steps are almost sure to follow. If, therefore, the affections be fixed on the friendships of the world, and the desires are bent on the good things of the world—its wealth, its honours, its popularity, its applause, its high positions, we must expect that questions which arise in practice will be referred, not to the balance of the sanctuary, but to the balance of the world; and it is hopeless to look for any decided line of action. But this must not be the case with the children of God. If we be in Christ we know the grace of God which bringeth salvation; we have been redeemed unto God by the precious blood of Jesus; we are sealed unto Him by the Holy Spirit of Promise, we are kept as His purchased possession until the day of His return: we are looking, waiting, hoping for that happy time when He shall take the kingdom, and all these earthly things pass away for ever; and are we to be looking backwards instead of forwards? Are we to be fostering the earthly affection, and losing sight of the heavenly? No. Let the world seek its own, and enjoy it while it lasts. But it won’t last long. Still, while it does last men of the world are consistent in living for it. No one can accuse them of inconsistency. What we ask for is a similar consistency in those whose conversation is in heaven, and whose desire it is to walk with God. If we know Him let us keep our eye steadily fixed on Him; let us not be afraid of going forth without the camp, if only we can trace His footsteps in the path; and let us never lose sight of the Divine precept, ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things of the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.’

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