We are commanded to lay aside every weight, and the sin that does so easily beset us: if we contend not against the latter—that is unbelief—how shall we rightly deal with the former? We have every one in himself his own peculiar hindrances—weights which, if not laid aside, will clog the soul in her race.
How shall I run my race and not stumble? how shall I have Christ’s approval in the day of His appearing? are questions to be daily put by every child of God to his own soul.
Character
In the members of Christ, even those in whom much excellency of character is manifest, too often, alas! we find the “flies of death” in the apothecary’s ointment (Eccles. 10:1)
Walking with God teaches us the courtesy and kindness of love.
We do not glorify God so much by what we do, as by what we are. It is the spirit of our mind which glorifies Him. “I dwell,” says Jehovah, “in the high and holy place; with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” (Isa. 57:15.)
If we walk much with God and with Christ, it will give us a certain rightness of character, so that we shall have the ready grace for every circumstance.
God with us makes our service honourable, be that service what it may.
Obedience
David was keeping sheep in the wilderness with no eye upon him but God’s. In prompt obedience to his father he went to the valley of Elah, taking loaves and cheeses to his brethren: if we are content to serve God in mean things, God will bring us forth in greater. In the valley of Elah was Goliath ready for David’s sling. (1 Sam. 17:17-23.)