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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Letting Go of Earthly Attachments</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/l/letting_go_of_earthly_attachments.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/matthew/6-19.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/l/letting.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Letting Go of Earthly Attachments</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/l/letting.htm" title="Letting">◄</a> Letting Go of Earthly Attachments <a href="/topical/l/letting_go_of_false_security.htm" title="Letting Go of False Security">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Introduction</b><br><br>The concept of letting go of earthly attachments is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual over material wealth. This principle is rooted in the understanding that earthly possessions and desires can distract believers from their relationship with God and their pursuit of eternal life. The Bible encourages Christians to focus on heavenly treasures and to live a life of faith and obedience.<br><br><b>Biblical Foundations</b><br><br>1. <b>Jesus' Teachings on Wealth and Possessions</b><br><br> Jesus frequently addressed the issue of earthly attachments in His teachings. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructed His followers: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>). This passage highlights the transient nature of material wealth and the importance of focusing on eternal values.<br><br> In another instance, Jesus encountered a rich young ruler who asked how to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me" (<a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21</a>). The young man's inability to part with his wealth illustrated the challenge of letting go of earthly attachments.<br><br>2. <b>Parables Illustrating Detachment</b><br><br> Jesus used parables to convey the necessity of detachment from worldly possessions. The Parable of the Rich Fool (<a href="/luke/12-16.htm">Luke 12:16-21</a>) tells of a man who hoarded his wealth without regard for his spiritual state. God called him a fool, emphasizing that life is not measured by material abundance. Similarly, the Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl (<a href="/matthew/13-44.htm">Matthew 13:44-46</a>) illustrates the incomparable value of the kingdom of heaven, worth sacrificing all earthly possessions to obtain.<br><br>3. <b>Apostolic Teachings</b><br><br> The apostles continued to teach the importance of letting go of earthly attachments. The Apostle Paul wrote, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (<a href="/colossians/3-2.htm">Colossians 3:2</a>). He also warned Timothy about the dangers of wealth, stating, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows" (<a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a>).<br><br> James, the brother of Jesus, admonished believers to avoid friendship with the world, which he equated with enmity against God (<a href="/james/4-4.htm">James 4:4</a>). This underscores the need for Christians to maintain a clear distinction between their spiritual priorities and worldly desires.<br><br><b>Practical Implications</b><br><br>1. <b>Stewardship and Generosity</b><br><br> Letting go of earthly attachments does not imply neglecting responsibilities or living in poverty. Instead, it calls for wise stewardship and generosity. Believers are encouraged to use their resources to serve others and advance God's kingdom. As Paul advised, "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share" (<a href="/1_timothy/6-18.htm">1 Timothy 6:18</a>).<br><br>2. <b>Contentment and Trust in God</b><br><br> Contentment is a key aspect of detachment from material possessions. Paul expressed this in his letter to the Philippians: "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances" (<a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11</a>). Trusting in God's provision allows believers to focus on spiritual growth rather than material gain.<br><br>3. <b>Eternal Perspective</b><br><br> Maintaining an eternal perspective helps Christians prioritize their lives according to God's will. The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (<a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a>), reminding them that their ultimate goal is to attain eternal life with Christ.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>The biblical call to let go of earthly attachments is a profound invitation to live a life centered on God and His eternal promises. By prioritizing spiritual over material wealth, believers can experience true freedom and fulfillment in their walk with Christ.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/l/letting.htm">Letting</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/leummim.htm">Leummim (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/letu'shim.htm">Letu'shim (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/letting.htm">Letting (41 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jokshan.htm">Jokshan (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/le-um'mim.htm">Le-um'mim (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/letushites.htm">Letushites (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/leummites.htm">Leummites (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dedan.htm">Dedan (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/asshu'rim.htm">Asshu'rim (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/asshurites.htm">Asshurites (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/asshurim.htm">Asshurim (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/begat.htm">Begat (112 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/begot.htm">Begot (119 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sheba.htm">Sheba (36 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/descendants.htm">Descendants (326 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/begotten.htm">Begotten (77 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/l/letting.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Letting"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Letting" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/l/letting_go_of_false_security.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Letting Go of False Security"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Letting Go of False Security" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>