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  DOLLS AND RATTLES
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: Weak Christians prioritize earthly blessings over Christ
Himself, while strong Christians focus on Christ above all else.

Topics: "Spiritual Maturity", "Focus on Christ"
Scripture References: Psalm 73:25, Matthew 6:33, Philippians 3:8, Colossians 3:2

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DESCRIPTION
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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.

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CONTENT
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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!

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/dolls-and-rattles/
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