The Above Things

The older we get, the more things we have to occupy our minds. These things can be good, bad or time wasters but they are there and sometimes even make it into our subconscious or dream-state.

Humanity has reached a record level of sources vying for our attention and consideration of their products or services. With all we have to think about as adults in this world to simply live, it is a wonder our brains don't explode from input overload. 

However, I think and believe Christians can derive wonderful counsel from God's Word in Mark 12:17. Jesus says in this verse - "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

In context, Christ was referring to proper monetary appropriation as He answered the Pharisees, but I believe this proper appropriation can be applied to life or the world and God or your journey with The Lord.

In Matthew 22:37, Jesus answered the Pharisees question about the greatest commandment by stating to love God with "all your mind". What does this look like? In Colossians 3:1-3, Paul gets us started by shifting our gaze and perspective heavenward.

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

This passage states the supremacy of Christ in that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, which according to Paul is "above" and that believers "have been raised with Christ" to this location because of Him.

Immediately Paul says a second time to align your thoughts on things above but then stresses "not on earthly things". And Paul elaborates - For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." Paul echoes this idea in a letter to the believers at Corinth saying, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Cor. 5:17)

In the Colossians 3 passage, Paul mentions two parts of us that should purposefully seek Heavenly, Godly things - the heart and the mind. Why these parts? Because according to Romans 12:2 our minds need a renewing for our transformation into a better believer - 

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

In addition, according to Matthew 15:19 our heart needs refocusing.

"For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander."

Luke 6:45 adds in his account about the heart - "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."

I do not like the saying, "Do not be so heavenly minded you are no earthly good." I believe that proper understanding of the Scripture means the more focus toward God and Heaven, the more good we will be for ourselves and others. Plus, Jesus will help us take care of things here as we keep our perspective routed through Him.

Now that we know why to intentionally pursue Heavenly, Godly thoughts - what are believers to think about? Paul answers that in his letter to the believers in Philippi.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)

The end of The Good Book fulfills every criteria mentioned above that Christians can think, ponder and imagine to their heart and mind's content. I speak specifically of Revelation chapters 20-22. This is too lengthy to quote here so I will trust you will read it and allow your spiritual imagination to be guided by what Jesus had John write about - our future home, just some of - The Above Things.