Augustine, in the tenth book of his Confessions, goes into great detail of the pull that temporal things hold for him–beautiful sights, lovely sounds, pleasant odors, the pursuit of knowledge, the enjoyment of food.
He speaks of his quest for asceticism in order to better love God–and of the corresponding pull of his flesh for the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eye, the pride of life.
I don’t know that I agree that Augustine’s asceticism is necessary for the full pursuit of God–I’m not sure that it’s necessary to eschew all earthly pleasures in order to chase after the pleasures found in God.
Yet, in this one point, I am fully in agreement with Augustine: Christ Himself is the Treasure, the Pleasure for Whom it is worth forsaking all else.
“…to those who freely worship You, You are Yourself their joy. And even this is the blessed life: to rejoice before You, in You, because of You; even this and none other. As for those who think there is another life, they are chasing after another joy, and not a true one.”
~St. Augustine Confessions
I pray that every beauty that comes before my eyes would cause my eyes to long for the sight of the One whom I, not seeing, believe, and rejoice in hope. (John 20:29, Romans 5:1-2)
I pray that every lovely strain that meets my ear would cause my ears to burn for the One whose words are life. (John 6:63,68; Luke 24:31)
I pray that every tantalizing scent that wafts beneath my nostrils would cause my nostrils to yearn for the fragrance of the life that is found in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:14-15)
I pray that every sweet taste my tongue savors would lead me to better taste and savor the God who is good. (Psalm 34:8)
I pray that every comfortable touch that my body feels would make my body long for the comfort of my eternal Lover’s embrace. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)
I pray that every delightful bit of knowledge that enters my mind would cause my mind to long for knowledge of the One who is Wisdom and in whom is found all wisdom. (I Corinthians 1:24, 30)
For He, He is a treasure above all else. He is the Pleasure beyond all the pleasures the world can offer. He is the Joy beyond every fleeting joy this world delivers.
May I find Him–and in finding Him, find all.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
~Matthew 13:42
Don’t forget to take a look at Barbara H’s meme “The Week in Words”, where bloggers collect quotes they’ve read throughout the week.
Good reminders and thoughts for today. Thank you muchly!!
Chasing after another joy — the pastime of the lost and the distraction of the saved. May we ever seek Him in Whom is our true joy.
“Christ Himself is the treasure.” I missed that for YEARS, even as a believing Christian. So sad. But thankful I know it now. You did such a beautiful job choosing verses to share here. I love this.
“…that every lovely strain that meets my ear would cause my ears to burn for the One whose words are life.” I love this prayer. Sometimes though I just go on listening to all the wrong tunes in life. And look where it got me. I’m glad I read it today. There is always hope :)