I'll admit it. I've had trouble the last few years fully setting my heart "on things above." Economic collapse. Politics. Global threats. Etc etc etc. I called it being educated but it's really a mind "set on earthly things" instead of on the "things above." So it's no joke that I need the following encouragement from Paul's letters.
"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.*
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 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.* 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew,* circumcised or uncircumcised,* barbarian, Scythian, slave or free,* but Christ is all,* and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves* with compassion, kindness, humility,* gentleness and patience.* 13 Bear with each other* and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.* 14 And over all these virtues put on love,* which binds them all together in perfect unity.*
15 Let the peace of Christ* rule in your hearts, since as members of one body* you were called to peace.*And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ* dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom,* and as you sing psalms,* hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.* 17 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.*
- Colossians 3
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