Articles
SETTING OUR MINDS ON THINGS ABOVE
The Christian has many blessings and privileges in life. And a hope those of the world cannot enjoy. However, we never should forget along with the blessings come some responsibilities. The life of a Christian is one of constant growth and change. The Scriptures tell us we are to "put off the old" and "put on the new".The New Testament writers make clear the way we are to conduct our lives to be in harmony with God's will. Paul's letter to the Colossian church contains some very good teachings for us to learn and use today. Let us notice some of that important letter.
"If then you have been raised up with Christ, KEEP SEEKING THE THINGS ABOVE, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. SET YOUR MIND ON THE THINGS ABOVE, not on the things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:1,2)
Since this is an ongoing process, we can understand something is needed to fulfill that command, TO KEEP SEEKING THE THINGS ABOVE. Jesus said something very similar in Matthew. Notice His words in Matthew 6.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal; but LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES IN HEAVEN, WHERE NEITHER MOTH NOR RUST DESTROYS, AND WHERE THIEVES DO NOT BREAK IN OR STEAL; FOR WHERE YOU TREASURE IS, THERE WILL YOUR HEART BE ALSO. " (Matthew 6:19-21)
When we are told to "set our minds" it indicates action and effort on our part. To set the mind we must channel our thoughts, and set a priority to choose the right things to put in our minds. The world around us would have us do otherwise. All the media which comes into our lives each day can hinder us from making the right choice God wants for us. Proper focus and making good priorities will enable us to better "SET OUR MINDS ON HEAVENLY THINGS." We need also to remember, PRAYER HELPS!!
"FOR OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. " (Philippians 3:20,21)
"...and have put on the NEW SELF WHO IS BEING RENEWED TO A TRUE KNOWLEDGE ACCORDING TO THE IMAGE OF THE ONE WHO CREATED HIM, ...." (Colossians 3:10)
Many other passages might be quoted to reinforce this idea. So, since we are exhorted and encouraged so many times to remember and grow in this area, should we not think it's important to our Father.? And to know we need to be reminded often how we need to continue growing and doing better in this regard. I might add please read further in this chapter (Colossians 3) some of the things we are reminded to do. Paul reminds us the kind of heart the Christian is to have -- compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; forgiving just as the Lord has done for us.
"And beyond all these things put on Love, which is the perfect bond of unity. " (Colossians 3:14)
When we fill our minds with God's Word, other things that might hinder are kept out. When we understand how important it is to continue to grow, we can better understand the importance of SETTING OUR MINDS ON THINGS ABOVE.
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything WORTHY OF PRAISE, LET YOUR MIND DWELL ON THESE THINGS. " (Philippians 4:8)
"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16)
As Christians we belong to God; set aside for Him and His use. We receive so many blessings each day, can we not think more of Him and what He desires for us? I know I can improve along this line, what about you? I hope you will think seriously with me about SETTING OUR MINDS ON THINGS ABOVE.
Thanks, Ross
