SEEK THINGS ABOVE

Colossians 3:1-3
1 If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (WEB)

With all of the worries and distractions that we face every day, it is easy to be preoccupied with the things of this earth. Each day presents a whole bunch of new opportunities for us to be mindful of natural, normal issues of life. The bills, the boss, the family, etc., all present huge challenges to living a life that is focused on things that are above.

Yet, we are encouraged to set our minds on things above and not focus on things that are of the earth. Now, I don't know about you, but in the past I have heard this derogatory comment about people who are too heavenly minded... 'Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good'.

Personally I don't think we can ever be too 'heavenly minded'. I do think that some dear ones might neglect their earthly responsibilities and justify their actions as seeking things above. But if this is the case, they aren't really being heavenly minded, just irresponsible.

My prayer is that God would give us all the wisdom to help us manage the tension of paying our bills, looking after our family, etc. all the while keeping our eyes fixed heavenward. I don't think there is a clear cut manual that we can follow to figure this out. I think we all need the daily, moment by moment direction of the Holy Spirit living within us to see how this unfolds in our lives.

May each one of us be able to live in this world knowing through and through that we are not 'of this world'. May we all be able to learn how we can best 'seek first God's Kingdom and His righteousness' and yet be fully present when our kids need our help or our boss needs us to meet an impending deadline. I truly believe if we can always keep a heavenly perspective on every earthly challenge, the problems that we face in the natural may actually become less important in the light of eternity.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things. (WEB)