Today’s Readings: Colossians 3.10-17; John 14.13,15.16,16.26;
As we draw towards the end of our study through Colossians 3, I want to remind you of where we came from. What was it we learned so much about in verses 1-2? It was seeking the THINGS ABOVE, and setting our affection on THEM. It was also NOT seeking the things of earth, and setting our affection on them. We then learned that there are a few things that we are clearly identified in Scripture as above… those things were:
the PERSON of God
the WORD of God
the THRONE of God
the FAMILY of God
Now, underneath those categories, we could really see a few more things identified above – the saints who have gone before (Judges 1.14), new Jerusalem (Rev 21.2), but we do not have time to explore every little breakdown of that today.
Now remember that we are to SEEK those things. So, if your mind is constantly preoccupied with the things above, then will that not effect our actions? If our hearts are constantly falling deeper and deeper in love with those things above, then will that not also effect our actions?
You see, God is about to discuss our interactions as husbands and wives, children and parents, servants and masters, and basically cover every type of social relationship. But, before all of that, He summarizes this truth of Colossians by simply saying, “no matter what you do, even down to your very words and deeds, do it all as if you were doing it on Christ’s behalf!” And I just think that if we could get that simple truth, all of those relationships He mentions next would take care of themselves.
Guys, I can’t tell you how much this truth has revolutionized my world in these last 8 weeks. Seeking the things above – the things God is concerned with, the things He decides to be in the presence of, the things He is seeking! Setting my affection on those same things – not on a new Mac, not on a better car, not on popularity, not on music or trends, but on those timeless things where He is. If I would just do that, and NOT seek and set my affection on the things that pertain to this earth (things of my body, and the world system) then I will find that abundant life He mentions in John 10.10.
You may want to check out 2 Corinthians 5.17-21 and see how God described our living for Him…it is as if we are here in Christ’s stead, or in His place! Wow. Those are HUGE shoes to fill! I realize things OF this earth will never fill them, only the things above!
That’s why the verses in our daily readings today talk about answered prayers. When we are praying in accordance with His will and in submission to His way, of course our prayers will be answered, because they will be set to His plan!
Isn’t it amazing how God brings this stuff all back to where we started at??? Praise Him today! Amen.
