What Is Your Focus?

The past few days have got me thinking about what in life is really important. What things do I spend most of my time doing? What consumes my thoughts? What things do I worry about (even though I'm not supposed to worry)? Do I "set my mind on things above and not on earthly things?" Colossians 3:2. This is a really tough subject because we live on this earth so it is hard to not think about the things that are in it. Yes family, career, and basic needs are important, but what is more important? Those earthly things or Christ? I vote Christ. Colossians 3 describes what holy living looks like:

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. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Over the past few days a lot of political talk has come about. I'm not a huge fan of politics, but I do have opinions. Talking with people who don't necessarily agree with me is tough and can be hurtful, but what gets me is that a lot of Christians are consumed by politics. Politics, just like everything else on this earth, is going to be destroyed. It is an earthly matter and does not deserve so much of our thoughts and time.  We need to set our minds on things above--reach the lost and follow Christ! If people spent as much time trying to grow in relationship with the Lord and reach the lost as they did watching T.V., having political arguments (that will never be resolved), worrying, playing sports, shopping, etc. think of how much more effective we would be for the Kingdom! The great commission is to go and make disciples. It doesn't say sit on your couch in the comfort of your own home and let others do the work while you set your mind on earthly things. If you don't go, send! But regardless of what God has called you to do, obey and obey cheerfully. Being a true follower of Christ requires effort. We need to focus on things above!