In this post
we will be challenged to examine the desires that guide the choices we make in
life.
Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are
above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on
things on the earth.
These verses
refer back to the truth presented in chapter 2, verses 11-13. The child of God has died to the flesh and
has been given new life in Christ. This
is what is pictured in our baptism—death, burial and resurrection. Again we meet that little word “if,” because
it is only “in Christ” that we are empowered to “seek those things which are
above” through His Spirit. Above is defined as “where Christ
sitteth on the right hand of God”—heaven.
This is a reference to spiritual treasure that will be ours for eternity. This is what Jesus referenced in His Sermon
on the Mount.
Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth
and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up
for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.
What are
those treasures? I think Paul answers
this best in is letter to the Corinthians.
1Corinthians 2:9 But as
it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the
heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Paul is
counseling the Colossians to pursue activities that will accrue to eternal treasures
with Christ rather than pursuing the temporary pleasures of this world. It sounds as if it should be so simple, but
it’s not. I find myself more and more
often questioning the wisdom of investing chunks of time in the things of this
world. I’m seeking to know how to best
balance my pursuits regarding time invested in spiritual endeavors and time
invested in the things associated with my life now on planet earth. Many of these activities are entertwined
regarding family and establishing a spiritual heritage and legacy.
I found this
quote from Augustine in the JFB Commentary:
“No one longs for eternal, incorruptible, and immortal life, unless he
be wearied of this temporal, corruptible, and mortal life.”
I think this
statement gets to the heart of the matter.
We should get to the point that our true heart’s desire is centered on
our eternal future. It’s at the heart of
Paul’s statements to the Corinthians and the Philippians.
2Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the
body, and to be present with the Lord.
Philippians 1:21-24 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I
live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I
wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be
with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more
needful for you.
I can’t help but think of something
Jesus said in connection with this truth.
Matthew 10:37 “He that loveth father
or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter
more than me is not worthy of me.”
My whole life
centers around my family, and these are words that have caused me to examine my
heart closely throughout the last decade of my life in particular. Honestly, it has taken me a long time to grow
into a faith that rests in God’s love and understands that only in trusting and
loving Him more can I best show my love to others—especially my family. That doesn’t mean I don’t struggle from time
to time with the trials of life, but the struggle is much less intense and more
readily given back to the Lord with confidence that He is working what is good
and to His glory.
(to be
continued…)
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