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AGAINST CAREFULNESS
THERE were, as might be expected, subjects of great difficulty and delicacy submitted, from time to time, to the Apostle Paul, for his decision. In matters of expediency was he consulted, no less than of duty. Of that nature was the question which was proposed to him from Corinth, on the subject of marriage. Of the lawfulness of that holy ordinance there could be no doubt, since it was instituted by God himself, even in the time of man’s innocency in Paradise. But of the expediency of embarking in the engagements of matrimony, under the circumstances of the Church in that day of trial and persecution, reasonable doubts might well be entertained. His opinion upon it therefore was asked; and he gave his judgment with all the tenderness that the occasion required. “In that season of distress [Note: ver. 26.],” he thought that persons of either sex would do well to keep themselves unmarried; since they would be more at liberty to act, or suffer, for the Lord, than if they were involved in the cares and duties of a family. And as to the general question, whilst he left all to judge and act for themselves, he thought that, where no very urgent reason existed for engaging in the matrimonial contract, it would be found more easy to serve the Lord fully in a single state, than in a state which must necessarily be attended with some “distraction” and embarrassment.
Upon this particular question I have no design to enter. But the basis upon which the Apostle framed his decision, is alike applicable to all cases, and in all ages: “I would have you without carefulness.” Dismissing, therefore, from our minds the subject proposed to him, and which, in fact, must depend altogether upon the personal feelings and peculiar circumstances of every distinct individual, I will proceed to shew you,
I. The evil and danger of “carefulness”—
Every kind of care is not evil; but only that care which is attended with anxiety. And this is evil,
1. As distracting our mind—
[It is surprising how even a small matter, upon which we set our hearts, will incapacitate us for attending to our spiritual concerns. Some object to be attained, or some trial to be avoided, or some difficulty to be overcome, though in itself of very trifling moment, will so dwell upon the mind as to indispose us for reading the word of God; and will even so disturb our repose by night, as to unfit us for any mental exertion — — — The injury which this must do to the soul is obvious — — —]
2. As impeding our progress—
[The eastern dress is calculated to impede the movements of him that wears it: and hence Elijah girded up his robes, when he ran before Ahab [Note: 1Ki_18:46.]. To this the Apostle refers, when he speaks of “our laying aside every weight, and the sin that more easily besets us [Note: Heb_12:1.].” Any care operates in this way, as a weight upon the feet, and an obstacle to our progress, even in temporal duties, and much more in those which are of a spiritual nature. Our blessed Lord illustrates this by another image, taken from agriculture; and tells us, that “the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the good seed that has been sown within us, and prevent it from growing up to perfection [Note: Mat_13:22.]” — — —]
3. As tending to turn us from the path of strict integrity—
[Whatever engages the affections strongly, will warp the judgment, and produce a strong bias upon the mind. Duties, which would interfere with the prosecution of our object, will be neglected; and measures, which may facilitate the attainment of it, will be adopted, without any scrupulous attention to their exact legality. Truth, honour, probity, will be sacrificed, rather than the favourite object be lost. And what need I say more, to mark the evil and danger of inordinate desire? To whatever it have respect, it is a root and source of evil, which, if not corrected, will destroy the soul [Note: 1Ti_6:9-10.].]
You will then, of course, desire to be informed,
II. How we may most effectually divest ourselves of it—
Much might be spoken upon this subject: but two hints only shall suffice:
1. Get a deep sense of the obligations which God has laid on us—
[See what your God has already given you in the blessings of creation — — — in the care of his providence — — — and, above all, in the wonders of redemption — — — What can you wish for more? Should not a reflection on these things fill you with unutterable joy? What can any thing else be in comparison of these stupendous mercies? Verily, whatever it be that is the object of your desire, it can be no more than the dust upon the balance, when weighed against the inconceivable blessings already conferred upon you — — —]
2. Get a lively sense of the obligations which he has laid upon himself also respecting us—
[He has bound himself to us by covenant and by oath, that “we shall want no manner of thing that is good.” If only we “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, every earthly blessing shall be added unto us.” We have only to “make our requests known to him, and all that we want shall be done unto us [Note: Php_4:6.].” We have no more real occasion for carefulness than the birds of the air [Note: Mat_6:25-34.], or than the child in the mother’s arms. The clouds, the rock, the very ravens, should supply our wants, and for forty years together, rather than we should be destitute of any thing that is good. Only call to mind how the Almighty God cares for you, and you will feel no difficulty in casting your care on him [Note: 1Pe_5:7.] — — —]
Application—
[Dear brethren, I would have you all like Mary; who, when her sister “Martha was careful and cumbered about many things, was intent only on the one thing needful,” In relation to the concerns of eternity, be as careful as ye will. In reference to these things, the Apostle approves of, and applauds, our care [Note: He uses the same word in reference to both, and no less than five times: ver. 32–34.] — — — And, if only in this matter ye will be “as wise as the children of this world,” ye shall never fail of obtaining all that your souls can desire — — —]