Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
"Where Your Treasure Is"
June 19, 2020
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
— Colossians 3:2 (ESV)
When was it that you first really noticed how we are bombarded as a society with things vying for our attention? Commercials and billboards tell us from all directions how our lives can be so much better, if only we buy the right products. Television shows and movies paint pictures, living out our dreams for us, while newscasts pronounce their own versions of reality. In the business world, we learn to be suave, calculated, always in control. Back home our friends and acquaintances may tell us: "Do your own thing!" or just "Go for it!"
Many years ago, a simple piece of advice was given to Christians. Those early believers, like us, were struggling to live out their faith in a world full of questionable and sometimes seedy influences. Paul, writing from a Roman prison, was very familiar with the world's pull on our lives and character. He wrote, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:2-4).
Another way of saying the same thing might be this: "Monitor your thoughts and actions so that only God-pleasing influences will affect you. Replace worldly influences with influences from above." But the questions is, what would God have us set our minds upon? What are those "things that are above" that Paul writes about? If you search the Scriptures, you will find answers to your questions.
First, the Person of Christ is from above. Jesus said, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am He you will die in your sins" (John 8:23b-24).
Second, divine wisdom is from above. "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere" (James 3:17).
Third, lasting treasures are from above. Jesus said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).
God's Word is plain. The truths of Scripture remind us to keep our minds and hearts focused on the things above. What we see here is transient, fleeting, has all the substance of a morning fog. What God offers is solid, everlasting. This He has made known to us by sending His Son. "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4).
This is the light by which we see clearly. This is the light that illumines unto eternal life. This is the light of the world. Follow Him. You will not be disappointed.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, may Your Holy Spirit keep our hearts and minds fixed on the things above, where You are. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. How are we most influenced by the messages we hear and see?This Daily Devotion was written by an LHM contributing writer. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
2. How much is the Holy Spirit involved in keeping our minds on the things above?
3. Do you know anyone who seems especially devoted to keeping their mind on Jesus? How does he or she do it?
How are we most influenced by the messages we hear and see?
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