Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
“Some give this as the reason why Adam did not see his nakedness, they think that he had so much converse with God and with things above sense, that he did not so much mind or think of what nakedness was. Whether that were so or not I will not say, but this I say, and am certain of, the reason why we are so troubled with our nakedness, with any wants that we have, is because we converse so little with God, so little with spiritual things; conversing with spiritual things would lift us above the things of the world.
Those who are bitten or struck by a snake, it is because they tread on the ground; if they could be lifted up above the earth they need never fear being stung by the snakes which are crawling underneath. So I may compare the sinful distemper of murmuring, and the temptations and evils that come from that, to snakes that crawl up and down below; but if we could get higher we should not be stung by them. A heavenly conversation is the way to contentment.”
Jeremiah Burroughs (1600-1646) in The Rare Jewel Of Christian Contentment (Preach the Word) 134.
Today marks the seventh and final post from this classic work for now. I hope you appreciate his graphic illustrations. They help make good points like the three he makes today.
First, his point that we are so troubled by our needs and nakedness because we converse so little with God. Ponder that. The one who talks with God is free of worry, fear, and discontentment.
Second, when our focus is on earth, we will be bitten by snakes. This brings into view the worldliness and deceitfulness of wealth that prevails on this earth.
Third, a heavenly conversation, or spending time interacting in relationship with God through reading His Word and prayer, marks the pathway to contentment.
There’s our application. Want to grow in contentment and generosity? Spend time conversing with God.