THE STANDARD FOR PRACTICAL LIFE

THE STANDARD FOR PRACTICAL LIFE

This cannot be apprehended if the mystery be not known. It is on this account that the apostle was so exercised about the Colossians. They were in danger of being carried away by a system of religion which addressed both mind and body, and the apostle knew that only the truth of the mystery could save them from the snare. They had learned the gospel. They had faith in Christ Jesus, and love toward all the saints, but yet they were in danger, and to preserve them from this danger he presses on them the truth of the mystery, because when it is really known, it enlightens the heart as to the nature of our relationship to Christ. He is the Head of the body, and as I understand it, though only a member, I am complete in Him, and I participate in all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. If I have any sense of the magnitude of this relationship, I could not have any standard lower than Christ Himself. If I do not understand the nature of this relationship, I am exposed to the snare of making something religiously of myself, but when I know I am a member of the body of Christ, it is plain that His body could have no lower standard for walk and practice than Himself.

In Colossians 3 we see how the practice begins. It first leads up to where He is, and then insists on everything ^[p. 115] here being abandoned for Him, for Christ is everything and in all, and everything is to be done in His name. That is easy and simply consistent when I know the mystery, but only an imaginary desire or an effort when I do not know it. In Ephesians, consequent on the same truth, and as having experienced the power which is to usward who believe, from the first circle, the unity of the Spirit, down to the smallest domestic duty, everything is to be done in His grace and by His power.