Guard against False Loves (2)

Labour to know the world in truth so that you may detest it. In the things of God, the more we know the more we will love. With worldly things, the more we truly know the less affection we will have for them. Like some pictures, from a distance they look good, but come near to them and they do not. Let us see what the world truly is. It is but the present world which will vanish away suddenly. In seeking these things, we lose ourselves and the world tool; but a Christian never loses that which he seeks after: God, Christ, and the things of a better life. The more we know of the vanities of the world  and the excellencies of grace, the more we will love the one and hate the other.
Labour also for faith, that you may overcome the world. It was an excellent question of Christ when he sent forth his disciples, 'Did you lack anything?' and they said, 'Nothing at all' (Luke 22:35). Labour therefore for faith to rely on the promise of provision, protection, and all things needful. If God be our shepherd, we are sure to lack nothing. Cherish a waking heart. The way to get this is not to be drunk on the world, but by being wise, redeeming your time; and comparing these earthly things with the heavenly. Recognize what these fading comforts are to eternity (2 Cor. 4:18). We must let our affections run the right way and have Abraham's eyes to see afar off (Heb. 11:10), and feed our meditations with the things which will last forever, as Moses did (Heb. 11:24-28).

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
Experience Triumphing, Works, vol. 7, pp. 413
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