“You are so heavenly minded you are no earthly good.” Have you ever heard this phrase? Is there any legitimacy to it? Can a person have his head in the clouds in such a way that he is ineffective with the everyday responsibilities of life? I suppose so. But what about the opposite? Can a person be so worldly minded that they are no heavenly good? Certainly. I think I see a lot more earthly- minded people than heavenly- minded. And what does the Scripture say about this. Quite a bit.
James reminds us that there are two types of wisdom- worldly wisdom and heavenly wisdom. Of course, “worldly wisdom” is not wisdom at all. It is simply that way the world thinks. Worldly wisdom may appear practical. It might even appear reasonable. But according to James it is evil in its source. He says worldly wisdom is “earthly, natural, demonic.” Pretty strong words. And it’s not neutral either. It is evil and harmful. It reminds us of our three enemies, the world, the flesh, and the devil.
So how can we identify this worldly thinking? James goes on to tell us, “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.” When we are guided by selfish motives, the results will be evil. The result of jealousy and selfish ambition is “disorder and every evil thing”. That’s strong. John put it this way:
Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17)
If we love the world, and the things of the world, our love for God will be replaced by these earthly loves. We will be so earthly minded we will be no heavenly good. We must replace our worldly thinking with the transformed thinking that comes from the Word of God.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Back to the question. Is it possible to be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good? Good question. Consider this passage from Ecclesiastes:
I have seen everything during my lifetime of futility; there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his wickedness. Do not be excessively righteous and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself? Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? It is good that you grasp one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them. (Eccl 7:15-18)
Frankly I’m not sure how to interpret Solomon’s thoughts here. I suppose it is possible to live a type of religious life that amounts to denial. Rather than give attention to the responsibilities God has given us, we become dreamers. Our heads might be in the clouds. Solomon is asking for some balance in life. Solomon also reminded us that when we “fear the Lord” we will find the proper balance.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will bear it. (Proverbs 9:10-12)
Throughout Scripture we see that the heavenly minded person finds a fruitful and meaningful life. When we live our lives with eternity in mind, we find the best l life possible, here and in eternity. Jesus said…
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.[1] (Mt 6:33)
[1] All passages in this post were taken from New American
Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation,
1995).
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