“Look at the cars daddy! They’re smaller now!” He exclaimed!
I remember watching our son’s face when he was two years old as we climbed into the sky on his first airplane ride.
He watched as things got smaller and smaller and marveled at his change in perspective.
How do we tell what is real and what is not real?
We set our minds on things above. It’s back to this discussion on perspective.
In our last article on Colossians (Read Here >> Whose Reality do your put your faith in?) we talked about what is “real” vs what is not real.
Paul tells us to be careful, lest we are taken captive through philosophy and empty deception which is contrary to Christ. He reminds us that we are made new in Christ and no longer need to live according to the imposed rules of religiosity…
To quote the Christian rap group, Cross Movement, the “Spare rituals” that aren’t necessarily spiritual.
How do we avoid being held captive?
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not things on the earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, ten you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3:1 – 4
Eternal Perspective
When we set our minds on things above, meaning God and what is God’s, we focus on an eternal perspective.
By focusing on Christ, our earthly (sinful) desires diminish because we find that Christ fills the needs that drive those desires with His life and His good work in us and around us.
We no longer lust after things that only satisfy in the moment because we are satisfied in the whole.
Eternal Hope and Purpose
This is good news for us, held captive by the lies that slowly consume us, because it means that He is actively working to renew us to bring us closer to Him.
It also means that when we are going through tough times, by focusing on Christ, we gain the perspective necessary to endure and to learn so that our character is developed and made more complete in God.
In other words, focusing brings purpose to all things in our life.
Eternal Peace
Finally, by choosing to set our minds on Christ above and gaining perspective, hope, and purpose, we find peace in Christ and His love for us.
As I look back on the past events of my life from an eternal perspective, even in the toughest times I see Christ actively involved in healing, teaching, providing, caring, and pouring His gentle compassion into my life.
What would an eternal perspective help you see? Go before God and ask, and keep on asking.
