Transforming Power; The Work of God on Behalf of Man
Set Your Affections
“1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4).
This passage came to mind recently while in discussion with friends. One of them spoke of his desire to visit the museum in Philadelphia. When asked if I would like to visit said museum, I proffered that I really did not have much of a desire. Such a lack of desire seemed strange to them, and when asked why, I tried to explain that at this point in my life my focus is on things of the spiritual nature. It is not just that I am 82 years old, but a different point of view was born in me back in the year 1961. In that year I became a born-again Christian. I began to see things from a different perspective.
Through the years I have been led to focus more on the things of heaven than on things of the earth; on things of an eternal nature rather than of a temporal nature. Such a perspective of course is strange to one who is not also a born-again person. The natural man sees things through natural eyes, but the spiritual man through spiritual eyes. The things of this world hold more attraction to the natural man than the things of heaven. Conversely, the things of heaven hold more attraction for the spiritual man than do the things of this world. This is hard to explain to the natural man as he can only understand the things which he knows.
Now it should be understood by all, including my friends mentioned above, that I am not addressing their spirituality or lack thereof, but am attempting to answer their question about why the museum of Philadelphia or any other such institution holds little interest for me. Certainly, there are many Christians that have great interest in such things as well as spiritual things, and that is great, but for me heaven has become my focus. I guess it is a personal thing. Before closing however, let me ask, what is it that interests you?
Jesus said that for a man to see (to understand) the kingdom of God he must be born again (John 3:3). And the apostle Paul was led to write that he who has been called as a son of God will be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, God the Son (Romans 8:28-29). This new life and this new image are of one’s spirit not of his flesh. If one is spiritually alive, he will dwell (he will focus) on things of heaven, not of earth.
We all should keep in mind that in eternity there will be a new heaven and a new earth, and God will dwell with His people (Revelation 21:1-4). The focus of those there will then be on Him, why not now?
Steve
The purpose of Transforming Power; The Work of God on the Behalf of Man is to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who are searching for the meaning of life, and to encourage Believers in their journey.
Steve
Praying that you have a blessed remembrance
of our Lord’s resurrection. His victory over death,
over the powers of darkness, and the assurance of
our salvation.