In Colossians, Paul is giving instruction to the church to set your heart and mind on things above instead of on earthly things. It is when my mind dwells on earthly things for a period of time that I know that my life is getting a little out of balance. It may not be recognized at first, but if I continue down that path I feel it down the road. Then it takes a little longer to get back on course when I have drifted for a while.
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. - Colossians 3:1-4 In order to put your heart and mind on things above, you will need to put to death the things of this world. Paul goes on to say, 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. - Colossians 3:5-10 Have you ever put together a “To Do” list? Many people live by them. It helps to organize yourself for success if you keep up with it. How about putting together a “To Be” list? When you think about it, “being” is much deeper than “doing.” “Being” relates to character, who we are, and how we make a life. “Doing” is tied closely with activity, accomplishments, and tangible things. “Being” has to do with intangible things, the kind of people we become deep down inside that cannot be measured by impressive awards. “Being” will ultimately outdistance “doing” every time. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with, “Doing.” I prefer to work on the “Being” part that will impact my “Doing.” Read on in Colossians 4 and see if you can spot the encouragement to “Be.” Be watchful and thankful, be wise, let your conversations be full of grace and seasoned with salt. It’s all good. This Sunday we will continue to look at the Church as we look at what the Body of Christ should be like instead of just do. May God give you many opportunities to “Be” all that Christ has filled you to be. Joy in Jesus! Pastor Mike
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Rev. Mike McClurgSenior Pastor, Findlay First Church of the Nazarene Archives
March 2020
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