For everything in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16
“The other lust, of the world, hath for its causes vain-glory, covetousness, ambition, insufficiency; by means of which it trumpeth up this necessity for marriage promising heavenly things truly to lord it in another household, to rest upon another’s wealth, to extort finery from another’s store, to lay out moneys which though dost not feel!
These be far from the faithful, who take no thought for sustaining life, except we distrust the promises of God, and His care and providence. Who clotheth the lilies of the field with so much beauty. Who feedeth the fowls of the air without toil of theirs. Who forbiddeth us to take thought for the meat and raiment of the morrow; assuring us that He knoweth what each one of His servants hath need of.
Not indeed the burdensome necklace, not the tedious garment, not a multitude of Gallic or German porters, which things light up the pomp of marriage, but that sufficiency which befitteth modesty and chastity. Presume, I beseech thee, that though needest nothing, if thou attendest upon the Lord; yea, that thou hast all things, if thou hast the Lord. Whose are all things. Think upon heavenly, and thou wilt despise earthly things.”
Tertullian of Carthage (c. 155-240) in The First Book to His Wife IV in The Tertullian Collection (London: Aeterna Press, 2016) 369-370.
Here Tertullian refutes the common argument in his day that a person must get married to find a great life with financial sufficiency and many material possessions.
Not much has changed over 1,800 years!
Tertullian echoes the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and reminds listeners to trust the faithful care of God. Again, providence comes squarely into view, and it is rooted in God’s promises.
He concludes by beseeching hearers not to focus on outward adornment but to attend to the Lord. Then he concludes profoundly: “Thou hast all things, if thou hast the Lord.” Let’s think on that this new year!
Providence is having all things because we have the Lord! Happy New Year’s Eve everyone!