Set Your Mind

Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
 
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
 
 
Reflection
 
During the course of the day, our lives are full of choices. “Where will I have lunch today?” “Should I wear my blue or green sweater to work?” “Do I feel like cleaning the house or going out with my friends?” How about this choice: “Shall I live a life focused on Jesus or on the things this world has to offer?”

I think a lot of people, some Christians included, want to live what they consider happy, balanced lives: a little work, some money to buy things, a little fun, some success, a relationship with Jesus, some peace and quiet, a few adventures. Yes, somewhere sandwiched in between, or buried among, the other desires of a balanced life is a relationship with Jesus. But the truth is we can’t mix living for Jesus with worldly endeavors and pleasures that run counter to seeking a holy and righteous life.

Shouldn’t we be thinking about how to live and behave in the here and now, so that we are ready when Christ returns?

Thinking about the things of heaven is all about focusing on the holiness of the One we most want to serve NOW. If the choices we make in the here and now are driven by a desire to be faithful and obedient to God, then our lives will be richly blessed. We have died to ourselves, and are a part of the body of Christ, secure and safe until His glory is revealed to us all. It is truly a new mindset, but one that will serve us well as we seek to live a life here on earth that honors God and prepares us for the eternal life that Jesus has secured for us.


Action Steps
 

1. Seeking the things that are above, where Christ is (verse 1) sounds very intimidating, but it really is just a new mindset for everyday living. Write down three choices you can make today that you think would be pleasing to God (Examples: I will read my Bible instead of watching TV, I will call a friend to offer encouragement instead of scrolling through social media.)
2. Listen to the song “This Is Not Where I Belong” by Building 429, then pray and thank God for the knowledge that while we are here on earth, our Heavenly Father wants us to thrive and have abundant lives!

Prayer
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for my many blessings, and for showing me the way to salvation and abundant life. Continue to guide and direct me, so that I don’t stray from this path You have set before me. I long for the day that You return in all Your glory, but until then, help me to seek Your will for my life in the here and now. Amen.