Verse of the Day 12/14
Verse of the Day 12/14/20
Colossians 3:1-2 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. New International Version (NIV)
Our men's Bible study group went through the larger passage (through verse 17) this morning and we spent some time going over these first two verses. The larger context is about who we are as Christians and how are lives are to reflect the change that has taken place in us. It is about taking off the old and putting on the new. Since we have been saved, a change should be evidenced in our lives. Not only that, it should change the way we think; renewing our minds (Romans 12:2).
What I'd like to focus on hear is a word that is mentioned twice in these two verses in the NIV, the small little word "set". We are told to "set our hearts" and then "set our minds". The two are similar but there is a difference. Set your minds has to do with the hear and now; today. Many of us have day planners or calendars on our devices that have our agenda for the day, things to do, people to call. We set our minds to doing those things. To set our hearts on something is something that is far reaching. It is what is in us, it is at the core of our thoughts, attitudes and emotions. The two of these should go together but we shouldn't have one without the other.
Pastor Greg Laurie writes, "It is not a bad thing to think about these things deeply. In fact, it was C. S. Lewis who said, "A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not . . . a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do." You should think about death, eternity, and the afterlife."
We live in the real world and have to deal with it, but we should not, cannot lose sight of what is ahead and what is being prepared for us. Our lives, our focus should be centered on what lies ahead and what is in store.
David Jeremiah writes, "There are four powerful evidences of a centered life in Jesus Christ: You are gladly identified with Christ. You recognize Jesus as the authority in your life. You have a deep sense of spiritual and personal security. And you rest in Christ, knowing that He is the master of your destiny. In Christ you live a brand new life in a brand new way. When everything else is out of control, set your affections on the One who is in control. Everything you put your hope in other than Jesus will fail. Jesus Christ alone is faithful and changeless, and will never fail you!"
As you prepare to face the week and the season ahead, may you, may we set our minds and our hearts on the things above and let the things of earth "grow strangely dim".
Oh soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
-- In Christ, Mike Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
Colossians 3:1-5 English Standard Version (ESV)
Put On the New Self
3 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your[a] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:[b] sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
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