Earthly Mindedness

Jeremiah Burroughs, a Puritan, wrote a wonderful book called A Treatise of Earthly-Mindedness. He defines "earthly-mindedness" as when a person puts his/her mind and heart primarily on the things and cares of the world. It is as if the things of the world are the most excellent things; as if they are the real treasures of life and so should be sought with all out fervor and energy.

Christians can be earthly-minded; they can be pilgrims without the pilgrim spirit. They can be like Lot who gripped the world and was hesitant to let go. Burroughs provides one way for us to guage our hearts in this matter, and it is quite insightful. He says we need to ask ourselves the following question: what is your heart upon in times of solitude? When you are alone and need not impress anyone, what is it that you place your heart upon? It is at these times that the true nature of our wants and desires are easily discovered.