“Set your mind of things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 (NKJV)
Wonderful advice for those who will receive it, for those who have ears to hear this message from St. Paul. Verse 1 tells us that Christ is above, seated at the right hand of God; should not we Christians be focused on our Lord as verse 2 admonishes us? What a shame that we are guilty of giving so much of our attention to those things on the earth that, although they are material in this age, they are immaterial in the eternal sense. Far better for us all that we follow the admonition of the verse above and give Jesus the bulk of our attention and not be drawn in to devoting ourselves to the pursuit of “stuff.”
As long as we give the things on earth our allegiance, Jesus will not be honored and glorified by our witness. It is when we put aside the cares of the flesh and begin to live for Him that we find the peace that Paul speaks of, the peace that passes all understanding.
In light of the current happenings involving the USA, Israel, and their retaliatory actions against Iran; our thoughts run to “end times prophecies,” so much so that many have replaced glorifying God with fear about the future. We must understand that this world is coming to an end; the Bible is very clear on this, but it does not tell us when. It is our Christian duty to “be about My Father’s business” until Jesus returns. Our excessive concern for the things on earth reveals a lack of faith in His ability to handle all things. When we turn our thoughts toward God it is difficult not to enter into prayer as we consider Him and our relationship together. There! If it causes us to pray more that’s reason enough to think on things above. It is also difficult to sin while we are thinking about or praying to our Heavenly Father. The old hymn “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” says it best; “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” Even the uncertainty of a conflict between nations pales in the light God shines upon those who “trust and obey.”
