January 6, 2022

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

Distractions abound in our fallen world. And while there are many pursuits and activities here that are worthy of our attention—things that have the potential to win the hearts of people into the eternal Kingdom—there are many more which are serious distractions intended by the enemy of our souls to consume our time and energies . . . and ultimately our life!

Setting my mind on things above, which I cannot see, requires a willingness on my part to allow the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts. God’s Word gives us sightings (mere glimpses) into a very special place which is the place where His brilliant glory in all its fullness dwells. It is His sanctuary in heaven. It is the location of His throne room, the very “control center” of the entire universe! The beauty and glory there are unsurpassed and beyond our imagination . . .

While sinful man would be reduced to ashes at the sight of His full glory, He lovingly reveals Himself to us in proportion to our faith. By the exercise of our will—in faith—we can expose ourselves to the light (and fire!) of His love with the desire that anything in our lives that does not belong in a citizen of heaven (see Philippians 3:20) will be incinerated! The power of His love has a cleansing effect, and we can go to Him again and again, allowing Him to perform His will of refinement and sanctification—preparing us to one day soon lay eyes upon the brilliance of His majestic face—and live!

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18