Reading: “Unto the pure, all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure.”—Titus 1:15

Daily DevotionalsUnion with Christ brings with it the sweet and sanctified use and enjoyment of all things. Every thing which comes into the account of what may be called real good, can be so no farther than as it is found and enjoyed in Christ. Creature comforts have nothing in them of good, but what is derived from the blessedness of the covenant in them. To the pure in Christ, all things are pure.

His gracious leaven in them, leavens the whole lump. And wherefore is it, that to them that are in a state of unrenewed nature, being defiled and unbelieving, there is nothing pure because there is nothing of Christ in them. They, and all they have, are under the curse; for everything is so out of Christ. It is Jesus that must put a blessing and a relish into even the most common providences; or they will bring evil. See to it then, that Christ is the foundation of all your enjoyments.

Be very jealous over yourself that, when you are most happy, that it is on Christ’s account; or that when exercised with difficulties, you still see Jesus in them, and receive them as coming from his appointment. And learn never to put a value upon any thing but on his account, and from their connection with him. This will confirm what the apostle said: “To the pure, all things are pure,” for Jesus seen in all, will be enjoyed in all and will sweeten, sanctify, bless, and render all profitable.

As there is infinitely more blessedness in the most common of our mercies, from their relationship to Jesus than we are aware of, so we ought to have the greater regard to him, in all that we enjoy. And if we consider nothing as a blessing, but what is received from Jesus, we shall learn to set a value upon nothing but what is brought home to the heart by Jesus.