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)
I've been thinking about discipleship and what it means to be a disciple, a Christ follower, for a couple of weeks now and reading many passages with that thought as a background. Many other translations begin this verse with "if" you have been raised. But if we are truly Christians there is no "if" about it. Jesus has raised us up, and the "since" is more fitting.
1960's theologians, "The Kinks", (actually a secular rock band) sang of being "Dedicated Followers of Fashion":
Oh yes he is (oh yes he is), oh yes he is (oh yes he is).
His world is built 'round discoteques and parties.
This pleasure-seeking individual always looks his best
'Cause he's a dedicated follower of fashion.
Oh yes he is (oh yes he is), oh yes he is (oh yes he is).
He flits from shop to shop just like a butterfly.
In matters of the cloth he is as fickle as can be,
'Cause he's a dedicated follower of fashion.
He's a dedicated follower of fashion.
He's a dedicated follower of fashion.
His world is built 'round discoteques and parties.
This pleasure-seeking individual always looks his best
'Cause he's a dedicated follower of fashion.
Oh yes he is (oh yes he is), oh yes he is (oh yes he is).
He flits from shop to shop just like a butterfly.
In matters of the cloth he is as fickle as can be,
'Cause he's a dedicated follower of fashion.
He's a dedicated follower of fashion.
He's a dedicated follower of fashion.
Later Madonna sang of being a material girl in a material world. Both of their focus was on fashion, pop culture and setting their minds on these things was to bring happiness. It may have temporarily, but won't and never will be able to bring lasting joy.
Alexander Smellie wrote the following in his 1899 work "The Hour of Silence":
Earth's joys grow dim. Earth's glittering prizes prove transient and unreal.
I desire to be delivered . . .
from the inanities and vulgarities of the world,
from the follies of fashion and pleasure,
from the pride of riches and prestige.
I desire to be delivered . . .
from the inanities and vulgarities of the world,
from the follies of fashion and pleasure,
from the pride of riches and prestige.
I some ways, certain things haven't changed much from Paul's time, to the 1890's to the 1960's to today. There will always be "glittering prizes" to draw our attention. But we are following One who will not let us down. Instead of fashion or fad, we are to set our hearts and minds, to turn our eyes on Jesus and follow Him. If we do we can have joy. As The Message states, if you are serious about living this life, act like it.
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.
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
Mike
Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
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