The Sinner's Base Choice.
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"Men of the world—who have their portion in this life." Psalms 17:14
The world has many servants, because it gives present wages; whereas Christ has but few disciples, because their reward is in another life. Most live by sight, and therefore they will satisfy sense; they had rather be sent away like Ishmael, with a small gift—than wait like Isaac, for the inheritance. They had rather take their portion in this life—than wait for an inheritance reserved in heaven.
Their hearts cry with Esau, "What profit will this birth-right do us?" We must have pleasure, and we must have riches; and therefore, like King Lysimachus, they will sell their kingdom and themselves—for a draught of water!
There are but few who have such elevated spirits as the disciples had, who could leave a present possession, to live upon a future promise. Very few have so heroic a spirit as Moses had, who could despise the treasures of this present world, out of respect to the recompense of a future reward. But many have such sordid spirits as Dives had, who would enjoy his good thingshere. But, Lord, let me not have my portion in this life, for I had rather live by faith.