Chapter Six: Seven Reasons of Men's Earthly-Mindedness
Chapter Six:
Seven Reasons of Men's EarthlyMindedness I will now explain the reasons why people are so focused on earthly matters, instead of spiritual and heavenly things. In short, I will give you these reasons for it.
Firstly, people believe that earthly things are real, while spiritual and heavenly things are just abstract ideas. They are deceived in this belief, as the Scripture speaks of spiritual things as the only real things, while earthly things have no real value at all. In Proverbs
23:5, it says, "Will you set your eyes on that which is not?," speaking of the riches of the world, which have no true value. But in Proverbs
8:20-21, it says, "I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full." The honors and wealth of the earth are merely an illusion and a worthless show. Even though Bernice and Agrippa came with great pomp and showiness, they were mere illusions. However, to a person who is focused on earthly things, these material possessions are considered to be real things, and that is why they value them. Foolish people consider wisdom to be a lie.
Secondly, people view earthly things as necessary, even though the Scripture tells us of only one thing that is truly necessary. They think that heavenly things are only relevant for the future, while they need earthly things now. They may need to be reconciled with God, receive forgiveness of their sins, or find peace in their conscience. They may only see the need for these things when they depart from this life.
The majority of people foolishly believe that spiritual and heavenly things are not necessary for life in the present, even though this is eternal life. In fact, we can enjoy eternal life here in this world.
However, people often consider all spiritual things to be relevant
only in the future, when they have passed from this world and are no longer seen.
Thirdly, earthly things are more appealing and more suitable to people's hearts. It is not surprising that people are more focused on earthly things, since they are made from the earth and have nothing but the traits of the first Adam. The first man was from the earth and was earthly. Even in the morning of the day of his creation, when man's estate was innocent, the happiness that he had was merely earthly in comparison to the things that have now been revealed through the gospel.
Let us consider man when he was in paradise. That paradise was only an earthly place. However, let us now look at man in his fallen and corrupted state. He cannot help but be earthly, and everything he desires is in line with that. Comfort does not come so much from the goodness of a thing, but from the suitability of the object with the faculty. The things of the earth are suitable to people who are of the earth, and that is why they desire them. The heart will overwhelmingly pursue that which is suitable to it.
Fourthly, the things of the earth have a very attractive appearance in the flesh. They have a kind of lovely look to the senses, and to the corrupt reason that is now influenced by sin. We have a very elegant expression of these earthly things and the earthly-minded people who have their hearts set upon them. It can be found in Galatians
6:12, which states, "As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh." The words are to indicate when a person looks neat and tidy.
Some people dress themselves meticulously and, having goodlooking bodies, they look so clean, fine, handsome, and very splendid to the eyes of all who behold them. In the same way, those who are false teachers desire to make a fair show in the flesh. That is, they regard the things of the flesh as those that are attractive to the eyes and want to have everything about them so perfect that they may look neat and present themselves beautifully before the world.
Oh, this is their happiness, and they take satisfaction in it! They appear to have fine properties, appealing clothing, and all sorts of fancy items. This looks so good in the eyes of the world, and that is why their hearts are set upon them. They are the enemies of the cross of Christ. They believe that suffering for Christ, poverty, or disgrace looks terrible. However, those who desire to make a fair show in the flesh, who would have their countenances well washed, fair, and beautiful wherever they go, and want to be somebody in this world, forsake the truths of God and seek to provide for themselves in the things of the flesh.
Fifthly, it's natural for people to be more interested in earthly things since they have never known anything better. It's no wonder they focus more on earthly things. Children who are born and grow up in a dungeon, for instance, would be happy playing up and down in the dungeon since they have never known any better place. Similarly, people who have never known the reality, excellence, and glory of spiritual things can mind earthly things better. But when the Lord opens their understanding to see the beauty of spiritual things, they wonder at their former blindness in desiring the poor, low, mean, and foolish things of the earth.
Sixthly, earthly principles are continuously imprinted on people through their conversations with other earthly-minded people. In Psalm 49:11, it says, "They think that their houses will continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. They set their hearts on earthly things."
Verse 13 adds, "Their way is folly," yet their descendants approve of what they say. They are praised by people. They see that everyone applauds them for their ways, and when they talk with each other, they talk about earthly things. They notice that everyone is following the things of the earth, and they want these toys too. That also influences their minds to think more about earthly things.
Lastly, people's experiences of the pleasures of the earth distract them from spiritual things and make them focus on earthly things.