The glorious company of the apostles, the goodly fellowship of the prophets, the noble army of martyrs, all the members of the church of Christ in all ages, were called to deny and mortify self. In this there is no difference. All are equally subjects of the same corrupt nature; are men of like passions, and are therefore in danger of self-seeking, and of their affections being attracted from Jesus to the alluring objects of this present evil world. Here is a very short chapter recording the conduct of the prophet Baruch. On reading this we may truly look within and around us, and cry, "Lord, what is man?" and with astonishment may add, "that thou art mindful of him."
Yea, what is every Baruch, that is, every blessed man, who bends the knee to Jesus and is renewed in the spirit of his mind? Alas! he is still of the earth, earthy, prone to cleave to the dust, ready to seek great things for himself from the objects of this world. One would have thought, just at a time when the prophet had been reading the dreadful roll, full of mourning, lamentation, and woe which were shortly to come upon the kingdom, that this would have entirely curbed every carnal desire after selfish views and earthly glory. But no; the lusts of the flesh can only be mortified by the power of the Spirit. Jeremiah is sent with a kind warning and tender prohibition to Baruch: "Is this a time for self-seeking, instead of thy Master's glory? What! aspire after worldly honor and dignity in a time of threatened ruin? Be wise; know thy station; act in character."
Here, O christian, see the picture of thy own corrupt nature. Know thyself. Consider, thou also art in the body. Remember, "in thy flesh dwelleth no good thing." Though under threatened ruin and destruction, yet it will lust after such things as are agreeable to its carnal state. Never say with Hazael, "Am I a dog," that I should act thus and thus. Beware of the deceitful reasonings of the flesh. It ever has plausible pleas to urge for its gratification. Self-seeking is one of the lusts of the flesh. All views that arise from self, centre in self, and tend to please self, are contrary to fellowship in Jesus. If self is indulged, it will prove like a pampered steed, to run away with thy spirit from thy Beloved. What will it profit thee, if thou couldst gain the whole world, and lose, if not thy soul, yet sweet peace with God, communion with Jesus, and joyful fellowship of the Holy Ghost? "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matt. 6: 24.
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