During this time of transition it has been all too easy for me to become consumed with the things of this world. I am realizing that resisting a love of THINGS becomes more difficult as I acquire things (furniture, house, etc.) that I actually like! It is easy for thoughts of the house and our family's needs to consume me and crowd out love of Christ in my heart. This meditation from The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs has been helpful for me this morning:
"[Christian contentment] is opposed to distracting, heart-consuming cares. A gracious heart so esteems its union with Christ and the work that God sets it about that it will not willingly suffer anything to come in to choke it or deaden it. A Christian is desirous that the Word of God should take such full possession as to divide between soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12), but he would not allow the fear and noise of evil tidings to take such a hold in his soul as to make a division and struggling there, like the twins in Rebekah's womb. A great man will permit common people to stand outside his doors, but he will not let them come in and make a noise in his closet or bedroom when he deliberately retires from all worldly business. So a well-tempered spirit may enquire after things outside in the world, and suffer some ordinary cares and fears to break into the suburbs of the soul, so as to touch lightly upon the thoughts. Yet it will not on any account allow an intrusion into the private room, which should be wholly reserved for Jesus Christ as his inward temple."
(Emphasis mine.)
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