If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3.1, 2

1 Clement 19
Clement of Rome (fl. ca. 90-100 AD)

“Thus the humility and godly submission of so great and illustrious men have rendered not only us, but also all the generations before us, better; even as many as have received His oracles in fear and truth. Wherefore, having so many great and glorious examples set before us, let us turn again to the practice of that peace which from the beginning was the mark set before us; and let us look steadfastly to the Father and Creator of the universe, and cleave to His mighty and surpassing great gifts and benefactions of peace. Let us contemplate Him with our understanding, and look with the eyes of our soul to His long-suffering will. Let us reflect how free from wrath He is towards all His creation.”

Our excerpt follows several chapters of Clement’s presenting examples from Scripture of the virtue of humility. Clement’s counsel to the Corinthians for returning peace and order to their churches is squarely grounded in Scripture and contemplation. The great example of the peace they need is to be found in the Trinity, through contemplating and meditating together on God’s exalted grandeur, majesty, patience, love, and peace. That’s not the kind of advice we get from church consultants these days, who are always ready to sell us a service or program to fix whatever ails us. Have we traded the discipline of contemplation for a mess of strategies and programs?

Are the people in your church taught how to meditate on the unseen things of Christ? Is what Paul commands in our text part of your own spiritual disciplines? Why do you suppose Paul and Clement thought this was so important?

T. M. Moore

Introduction to Christian Worldview
We’re pleased to offer our course, One in Twelve: Introduction to Christian Worldview, at The Ailbe Seminary. There’s no charge, and all the course materials are free. In 12 diagrams you will gain a perspective and overall grasp of the 1 worldview that can change the world. Click here to register.

The Vision of Christ Exalted
Our book, Be Thou My Vision, provides 28 days of meditation, together with saints from the Celtic Christian tradition, on the vision of Christ in glory. The more we focus on Him, and take Him as the North Star in all aspects of our journey, the more His peace and glory will fill our lives. This is a great exercise for your leadership team to take up together. Order your copy by clicking here.

The Writing Pastor
Have you ever thought you might like to learn how to use writing in your ministry? Our course, The Writing Pastor, can set you on a course of developing a ministry of writing to deepen and extend your ministry in the Lord. We currently have three slots available for this course, which lasts around four months, meeting every other week. I teach this individually to help you discover your interests and develop your skills. The course is free, but there is a charge for the workbook. For more information, write to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.