More on before...

With Monday's post fresh in my memory I was today making my way through John Bevere's A Heart Ablaze, conveniently borrowed from the co-founder of this blog.

In A Heart Ablaze Bevere quotes an early church leader named Cyprian, who said of worldy entanglements:
"The one peaceful and trustworthy tranquility, the one security that is solid, firm and never changing, is this: for a man to withdraw from the distractions of this world, anchor himself to the firm ground of salvation, and lift his eyes from earth to heaven...He who is actually greater than the world can crave nothing, can desire nothing, from this world (Cyprian's letter to Donatus, sec. 14) [Bevere, A Heart Ablaze p. 83].

Bevere also notes that "...many in the church live materialistic lives in the pursuit of pleasures and treasures of this world. We think nothing of lining up for the same movies, entertainments and amusements that the world pursues" (p. 83).

And..."the early church stressed the importance of a changed heart, which would produce a godly lifestyle" (p. 87).

I found it amazing that in this book I found a similar vein to what had been discussed both here and at culturewatch, while also providing that beautiful insight into what we are exploring here at eusebeia. The changed heart that produces a godly lifestyle is surely a treasure to be sought after from the LORD.

On the subject of entanglements, I thought I would share some trivia that casts some light on the issue. My great-grandfather was a constable in the state police force in the early 20th Century and had to answer a series of background questions when applying to join the force. Apart from being quizzed on whether one was a member of any secret societies or able to ride a horse, applicants were asked whether or not they had any illicit entanglements (with females). I think this is an excellent question to be asking in examining one's own life and dedication to the ways of godliness: do I have any illicit entanglements that prevent me from carrying out my duties as a servant of the LORD?

In relation to the subjects covered above, are you illicitly entangled with the things of the world?
For the Scripture says:
"Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15)
"No soldier on service entangles himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier." (2 Timothy 2:4)
Therefore we must be untangled from worldliness in all it's deceitful forms if we are to be free and on the path to perfection in godliness and purity.