Beholding … Are Changed: From a Letter

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 7
What a mercy it is that we are formed by what is objective; that is, outside of ourselves. And the blessedness of it is that if progress is made we know nothing of the progress (Moses wist not that his face shone) because of the immensity of that which attracts us. It is in the beholding we are changed (2 Cor. 3). It is not by climbing the ladder of self-complacency that growth is made, but by seeing Him where He is, and meditating on His perfections as seen—those glories which attach to His Person—that we grow up to Him. Progress in divine things does not occupy us when led and taught by the Spirit, but Christ. When He is everything we feel the lowest room is our true place. "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." Jas. 4:66But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (James 4:6).
What a present place of favor we have—I mean all God's beloved children. What a Father, what love, unceasing care, the Comforter with us and in us, the revelation of God's will in His Word, the opened heaven and the seated One there, the hope before us, and the finished work behind us. Well may we rejoice as Paul exhorts the saints to do: "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." Phil. 4:44Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4). We can always rejoice in Him, but our state and circumstances are another thing. We are, however, privileged to be without care, to have the peace of, God guarding our hearts and thoughts. No room left for anxiety and care.