Dolls and Rattles
Weak Christians prioritize earthly blessings over Christ Himself, while strong Christians focus on Christ above all else.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that weak Christians often focus more on the blessings and comforts they receive from Christ rather than on Christ Himself. He compares this behavior to a child who is so captivated by dolls and rattles that they forget about their mother. In contrast, strong Christians prioritize their relationship with Christ over His gifts, recognizing Him as the true treasure. Brooks encourages believers to shift their focus from the gifts to the Giver, understanding that Christ is the ultimate source of joy and fulfillment.
Text
The thoughts and hearts of weak Christians are more
taken up with the good things they have from Christ--
than with Christ Himself. Oh, their graces, their comforts,
their enlargements, their meltings, and their warmings,
are the things which most absorb them. Their thoughts
and hearts are so exercised about these things--that
Christ Himself is much neglected by them.
The child is so absorbed with dolls and rattles,
that the mother is not thought of. And such is
the behavior of weak Christians towards Christ.
Those who are strong in grace are more taken up with
Christ Himself, than they are with His love-tokens. They
bless Christ indeed for every grain of grace--but Christ
Himself is more to them than all these. Christ is the
most sparkling diamond in the ring of glory!
Sermon Outline
- Weak Christians Focus on Blessings Rather Than Christ
- The Behavior of Weak Christians Towards Christ
- Strong Christians Focus on Christ Himself
- Prioritizing Christ over love-tokens and blessings
- Blessing Christ for every grain of grace
Key Quotes
“Christ is the most sparkling diamond in the ring of glory!” — Thomas Brooks
“Their thoughts and hearts are so exercised about these things--that Christ Himself is much neglected by them.” — Thomas Brooks
“Oh, their graces, their comforts, their enlargements, their meltings, and their warmings, are the things which most absorb them.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- As a Christian, prioritize Christ above all earthly blessings and comforts.
- Recognize the danger of neglecting Christ for the things He provides.
- Focus on Christ Himself, rather than just His love-tokens and blessings.