Things above
Image: Marina Vitale on Unsplash
When I decide to do something I am very focused on getting it done, and I don’t like distractions or interruptions.
However, things rarely go to plan, as life, in general, is not straight forward. Things happen beyond our control and we have to be flexible and adapt.
I have experienced this, so over the years I have tried to be more ‘mellow’ and not be so obsessed with certain goals, tasks or projects.
I think we can all get fixated on certain things. Some people think a lot about money, worrying will there be enough to pay the bills, feed the family or have enough when retired.
Others can be focused on career progression, home improvements or searching for that dream house. For others it can be smaller things, such as always wanting the latest smart phone!
When we become highly focused on something, there is a danger that it can consume us. So what can we do? Paul, the writer of many of the New Testament letters, said…
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Paul wrote this to the Christians in the city of Colosse (in modern day Turkey). As followers of Jesus, he encouraged them to change how they viewed life.
He encouraged them to give their attention to God, first and foremost, meaning to know and understand God’s ways. God was (and is) above and beyond ‘earthly things’.
As they ‘set their minds’ on God, their vision changed and they would view things ‘on earth’ from His perspective.
If we do the same, then this shift in focus will affect everything in life. Priorities change, and things that once felt important, from an ‘earthly point of view’, will feel different from God’s perspective.
I have seen this outworked in our church. For example, a professional couple moved to a poor nation in South Asia because they felt God call them to live and work there.
Take a moment to consider all that is going on in your life. What do you ‘set your mind on’…‘earthly things’ or ‘things above’?
God bless you:)
Gary Bastin
Hope Community Church leader