If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:1-2
A great secret of the contented life for the believer is to realize satisfaction is not found here on earth. Those who try to find happiness here are perpetually frustrated and disappointed. The possessions purchased are a let-down. The relationships formed seemed to be discouraging. The dreams pursued are not quite what was envisioned.
Nothing is never quite right until it is discovered that “it is just not here!”
Rather the Lord continually tells us in His Word to ‘set our mind on things above.” When a person finally grasps and applies this truth he or she is free to enjoy life. It doesn’t matter where he lives, what he does vocationally, where he goes on vacation… or if he even gets a vacation. These things diminish in their priority when eternity is in view. Keeping Heaven in mind drastically changes one’s outlook on the events of life. Both the dramatic and mundane.
A mind set above is a central theme of not only Paul, but all through the Word. Live for Heaven and you enjoy life as you realize this is all preparatory for Heaven. But how do we do this? Jesus said for us to “lay-up treasure in Heaven.” Why is that? Is He trying to raise funds? Obviously not, He knows and has stated that “where our treasure is, our heart follows.” We invest in His Kingdom by time spent in the Word, walking in His ways, fellowship and prayer, giving from what He has blessed us with. It is these things which give us a heavenly-minded heart. Treasure invested!
Second, we become heavenly-minded through difficulties & trials. Yes, you read that correctly! The Psalmist declares the blessing or profit of affliction. Affliction makes us yearn to be home… we become a bit less bound to this earth. Remember this when affliction and disappointment come your way. It is a pull to Heaven! Finally, those who precede us are used to focus us toward our own ‘homecoming.’ As we go through life there are those we miss, dear saints who have entered Heaven before us. The longer we walk with the Lord this obviously becomes very evident— oh the joy of reunion with kids, spouses, parents and friends who will we see again. And that will be soon!
Maranatha!