5th September 2023
Set your heart
Since, Then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:1 (NIV)
There is a definite pull in this world into one direction or another. Divisions are all around us and they call us to join in with them. A commercial is a mind game. They fill your mind repeatedly with statements such as “You deserve this,” “You earned this,” and “This was chosen just for you.” If you hear their voice enough times, you begin to believe the call to join in with them, or to fill yourself with the joy of their wares. Have you noticed how short they are? Our attention span is now about 7 seconds, and so they blast you quickly with their thoughts and then repeat this often. If something is repeated enough times, you begin to believe it.
We belong to two worlds, and they each have their own mindset; almost polar-opposites, Our future is in heaven with God, and we do not know yet what that will look like; though we have been given a glimpse. This world is right before us, it roars in our ears, its visions dance before our eyes. We still have this life to live, and as we live it, we are to represent our future home. Two worlds vie for a position in our hearts and our minds. We are called now to live our best in both worlds by representing the gospel hope to the world around us. It is not always welcome as we place a mirror before their eyes.
We need that solid foundation spoken of in 2 Timothy 2:19 (NIV): ‘Nevertheless [despite the lies and faithlessness of others, vv. 16-18], God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” We are in this world but not of it. Turning away from wickedness and setting our hearts and minds on the things above. Reinforcing the good things of God in our hearts. Blocking the lies that are tossed at us all day long. We must shine the light of the truth of Christ Jesus, and in doing so, set our minds in the right place.
God is our sure foundation that will not move or fail us. We read of this also in Matthew 7:24-27 and Luke 6: 46-49. In God, our hearts are safe and secure. God will never move, but we often do. Thanks be to God that he will alert us to this by His Spirit. We do not need an app on our phones to warn us of danger; the Spirit resides within us. He is our conscience within. The voice that whispers “This is the right path, take it.” Our life is now in Christ, anchored deep. This is the focus of our heart. As we focus on the things of God, setting our heart on the things above, the things of this world and its pulls, fade from our interests.
Prayer
Merciful God, we are so grateful for your presence, your touch in our lives. Please be our guide, lead us in a straight path, teaching us your ways, your will, and anchor our roots deep in you. You are our life and all we need. We love you God! In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Study by Anne Gillam
About the writer:
Anne Gillam is a retired Pastor in Grace Communion International, Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA.
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