Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
“Such, it appears to me, is the soul which, though not in a state of mortal sin, is so worldly and preoccupied with earthly riches, honours, and affairs, that as I said, even if it sincerely wishes to enter into itself and enjoy the beauties of the castle, it is prevented by these distractions and seems unable to overcome so many obstacles. It is most important to withdraw from all unnecessary cares and business, as far as compatible with the duties of one’s state of life.”
Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582) in The Interior Castle (London: Thomas Baker, 1921) 24. My wife, Jenni, attended a Spiritual Formation conference this week, so that led me to reflect on this classic work in which Teresa describes going deeper in relationship to God with the metaphor of moving through seven interior castles or mansions.
Souls stuck in the immaturity in the first castle are preoccupied with the things of this earth. Teresa portrays them as “prevented by these distractions” from growing. So what must people do to press through the spiritual barrier of preoccupation? Teresa advises to “withdraw from all unnecessary cares and business” to attune to the things of God.
The Apostle Paul explicitly instructs us to “set our minds” on things above rather than earthly things. This requires intentional effort to say “no” to “distractions” so we can say “yes” to the things of God. Notice the first of Teresa’s preoccupations is riches. When we walk in obedience, God often supplies richly. Many, however, fail to mature because they become preoccupied with the provision of riches rather than the One who provides all things richly.
Notice also that Teresa says preoccupied people are “those not in a state of mortal sin” but rather those “so worldly” that the distractions around them become obstacles to their growth. Related to generosity, they won’t exhibit it because they can’t. Their time, energy, and resources are preoccupied. What about you? Are you preoccupied? What might you need to say “no” to these days so that you can say “yes” to explore the beauty of a deeper walk with our faithful Father and Provider?