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It should get our attention when Christ Jesus says,
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matt. 6:19-20)
The differences between earthly mindedness and heavenly mindedness are matters of the heart.
Here Jesus is drawing a stark contrast between focusing on things of this earth versus things of heaven, especially when he goes on to say, "'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also'" (Matt. 6:21). In other words, the differences between heavenly mindedness and earthly mindedness are matters of the heart—our desires, likes, and focus are not only external but also internal. Are we seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matt. 6:33) or are we fixated on satisfying our own perceived needs?
In his letter to the Philippians Paul explains further when he writes that "enemies of the cross [of Christ]" have their "minds set on earthly things" (Phil. 3:18-19). Our Lord and Savior calls us away from earthly mindedness, but what exactly does it mean to be earthly minded?
Earthly mindedness is conformity to the world.
Being earthly minded first means treasuring material things of this age in our lifetime here on earth; the focus of our heart's desires are things on earth which are mainly material—objects that neither ultimately satisfy nor last. They lose their luster, rust away, or are eaten up by time.
Materialism is earthly, and our obsession with material things is earthly minded. In short, earthly mindedness is conformity to the world (Rom. 12:2). It is thinking and acting like many of those around us who do not know nor submit to our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. Because they rebel against Christ, they are enemies of the cross of Christ whose end is destruction (Phil. 3:18-19).
We must not allow things that are passing away to distract our eyes, attention, and hearts from Christ.
An enemy of Christ is one whose mind is focused on this world and the things of the earth that are passing away (1 Cor. 7:31). Rather than desiring earthly things that do not last, God calls us to keep at the top of our minds treasures that do last—heavenly treasures. Instead of allowing things that are passing away to distract our eyes, attention, and hearts, our Lord wants us to be heavenly minded and enthralled with our true and everlasting home in God's kingdom.
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Daniel Rowlands is content editor for Beautiful Christian Life.
Recommended:
A Treatise on Earthly-Mindedness by Jeremiah Burroughs
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