1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
The world, the flesh, and the devil all vie for the attention of our thoughts. If they can just persuade us to take our eyes off of Christ, we can be led astray. Paul provides us with the framework for preventing this, in that our lives are hidden in Christ. Our thoughts should be continually towards the things of God. We are also told where our treasure is, there are our hearts also.
Time and time again, we are distracted with the troubles of life. Even when we are focused on God, tragedy seems to occur to cause us to take our eyes off of the object of our affection, and be focused in the here and now of trials and tribulations. It takes great self-control to refocus on the things that matter, as the threat of pain, suffering, and loss loom over us in those moments. We are directed (both imperative commands!) to set our hearts and set our minds on things above. It is an act of the will, contrary to our natural inclinations.
It is an act of submission of the will to God that enables us to make this unnatural change in our thought lives. In everything, Christ submitted Himself to the Father through submission to the Holy Spirit. In the same manner we need to submit ourselves the same way to the Holy Spirit.
So, let’s ask the question: How well are we submitting to the Holy Spirit?
A short prayer of preparation:
Father in Heaven, we are so easily distracted by the difficulties of life. Give me strength today to have a heart that is steadfastly focused upon Your Son, Jesus Christ. Remove the veneer of importance from those things that try to grab my attention, and place everything in its proper place, so that You are honored in everything. Guard my heart, and help me to submit to Your perfect will. This I ask in the precious name of your One and Only Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Want more? Why not try A. B. Simpson or A. W. Tozer?
CHRIST ALLIANCE CHURCH 