July 11 Keep thinking about things above

July 11 Col3.2 Think aboveCol 3:2 “Keep thinking~~ about things above, not things on the earth,”

Motivation in life comes from our beliefs about what is valuable to us. The Bible teaches that the best satisfaction will be in glory, when we stand before our Savior to receive our recognition from Christ and discover our eternal purpose.

This life is only the beginning, the testing ground, the opportunity to demonstrate our value to the kingdom of God both now and in the world to come.

This perspective changes everything. Paul put it this way: “We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor 4:18). Knowing we are eternal makes God’s plan very valuable to us.

Paul commands us to “keep on continually thinking about [set your minds on] things above.” He meant for us to be “transformed by the renewing of [our] mind[s]” (Rom 12:2). This requires us to accept and live by new values and a new worldview.

In Colossians 3:2, Paul was thanking the Philippian church for their generosity when he said, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account” (Phil 4:17). Their offering to Paul was being recorded in heaven. Jesus taught, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:21).

One way to ensure that you are fixing your mind on heaven is to begin investing in heaven’s purpose and objectives: “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward” (Mark 9:41).

The reason for our kindness and generosity now, even toward people we dislike or who oppose us, is that we are thinking about the eternal consequences: “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great” (Luke 6:35). We are wise to know the rules for receiving His rewards, and we live for His approval.

“Dear heavenly Father, I ask that You give me the wisdom to fix my mind on Your purposes while I live on this earth. Your word renews my mind and keeps my life on track.”

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