The bride stood beside the groom radiant. Sitting next to me, Dan wondered what chemical process takes place that allows a woman to practically glow! There was a spiritual vibrancy as well. It was obvious that Jason and Shelby were committed as much to glorifying God as they were to consummating their marriage. But I found it difficult to concentrate as the two lovers recited their vows.
The flower girl stood in front of the bridesmaids. She walked to her position in splendid fashion correctly dropping petals from her basket. However, it was too much for her to stand still through the ceremony. She scratched herself repeatedly pulling at her dress. She made faces. She bent over to pick up petals and smiled at the audience. She definitely enjoyed her prominent position. Her mother, from several rows back, discretely motioned for her to stop moving. No matter how hard I tried to focus on the bride and groom I constantly found my eyes running to that little girl.
Meditation
Colossians 3:1,2—Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
“Set your hearts on things above,” the meaning of the verb set calls for a continual and habitual action. The idea is that we relentlessly pursue heaven (as Jesus prayed, “Your kingdom come”). Our affections and focus are on Christ with the result that we live to be like Him. We pursue holiness infused with a spirit opposed to sinful, earthly lusts. We refuse to be preoccupied with those things that will burn one day.
Paul goes on to write, “set your minds on things above,” but now the verb set, has a different meaning. Paul is referring more to our inner disposition. What serves as the same word in English is really two different Greek words.* Combining verses one and two, we discover that God is looking for both action and attitude that reveal we are loyal to heaven’s agenda.
As surely as the little girl stealing my attention, many things tug at me and pull my eyes from my beloved Jesus. Distractions are as common in life as dandelions are to yards. How about you? Are you easily sidetracked from godly living by a multitude of insignificant diversions? Let’s resolve to keep our eyes on Jesus! Let’s renew our commitment to Him! Watch what happens to your actions when heaven fills your thoughts. Something to think about . . . in
Inspiration
The reason there is so much going off on side issues is because of spiritual insubordination that refuses to wed itself to Jesus Christ and His Word.—Oswald Chambers in Run Today’s Race
