DAILY DEVOTION, August 30, 2021

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1, NIV).

Paul describes the Christian as having already been raised with Christ. Our resurrection is sure, and so Paul speaks of it as a present reality. He then speaks of setting our hearts on things above. This implies that there are things below,  things pertaining to this life.  The things above relate to those things which have lasting spiritual value.

If you buy a car, that pertains to this earthly life. If you witness for Jesus, that pertains to things above. If you wander into Walmart, that relates to this life on earth. If you pray for another person, that pertains to things above. If you eat a meal, that relates to this life. If you partake of the Lord’s Supper, that relates to things above. Of course, we need to do lots of earthly things. We don’t want the things of this world to crowd out our sacred duties. The things we do that pertain to this life have no lasting value. The things we do for God in the name of Jesus have eternal value. Paul wants us to have our hearts set on the things above. Don’t neglect the heavenly for the earthly.  Don’t spend all your time on things that have no lasting value.

Heavenly Father, thank You for guaranteeing my resurrection. As a person bound for heaven, I pray that I will set my heart on things above where Christ is seated at Your right hand. I pray in His name and for His sake, Amen.