Tomorrow we begin a new sermon series, a three-week Biblical study of Heaven. There are lots of movies and books that say creative and wild things about Heaven, but what does the Bible say? Here’s some of Paul’s encouragement to us about keeping our hearts focused on things above:
Colossians 3:1-4
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Reflections
Notice the “if/then” argument Paul is making: If you are raised to new life with Christ, if you are dead to sin and alive through him, then your heart and mind should not be focused on earthly things, for earthly things are fading. You should be focused on heavenly things, that which is eternal and forever.
How might we practice this discipline in our daily lives?
Prayer
We thank you, Heavenly Father, for, by your Spirit, you have delivered us from the power of sin and death and instead brought us into the kingdom of your Son. We pray that, as by his death, he has called us to life, so by his love may he raise us to eternal joy, so that living or dying, we will rejoice in you forever. We pray through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
