MANY CHRISTIANS FOLLOW AFTER THE WORLD. This is sad and fraught with danger. The Lord proposes Himself to us as our pattern, and He gives grace to everyone who desires to imitate Him. He exhorts us as His dear and tenderly beloved children, and in mildest tone proposes Himself for our imitation. Let us imitate the Lord in the present evil world, dealing justly, ever acting from holy principles, and by a righteous rule, adhering strictly to truth, for our God is the God of truth. Let us choose our company, being only familiar with them who are familiar with God, and doing good to all, especially unto them who are of the household of faith, for He causes His sun to shine on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Let us imitate Him in the church, cultivating a spirit of love to all saints, notwithstanding their infirmities, exercising forbearance, and pity; being slow to anger and ready to forgive; accepting the will for the deed, being always ready to help those in trouble and distress. Let us imitate our God, for He commands us so to do; our relation to Him requires it: His peace is our reward.

For Meditation:
This answers th' important question,
Whether thou art a real Christian;
Better than each golden dream,
Better far than lip expression,
Tow'ring notions, great profession;
This will prove your love to Him.