Focus on Things Above
by Bob Gaudi
If you are reading this, then it’s likely you are a Christian. If you are a Christian and believe God is sovereign and in control, then it follows that you also believe He has a plan for each of us (remember the sovereignty thing!). Do you ever wonder what that plan is? Another way of phrasing this is, “Do you wonder what God’s will for you is?” Other than the basics of loving and obeying Him, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and accepting Jesus as our Savior, what specifically does God expect each of us to do on a daily basis? How are we supposed to react to all that comes our way? It seems that this thing called life is doing just that—a day to day exercise in determining God’s will or plan for us. Sometimes it’s like we can only see it all through a rearview mirror.
Scripture tells us about some of the people to whom God clearly articulated His plan. In the Old Testament, think Noah, Abraham, Moses, King David, and numerous others whom God spoke to either directly or through His prophets. In the New Testament, Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, and Simeon come to mind. I especially marvel at God’s work in and through Paul. In an instant, walking along a dusty road, Paul’s life was forever changed in a way that he could have never imagined. His entire life was rewritten in a script beyond what he would’ve previously considered a nightmare. Yet God selected him to be the one to carry the Gospel to the Gentiles. We are not told of the entirety of God’s directions to Paul, but it is clear that Paul certainly understood God’s plan for him. I’m guessing under obedience in God’s dictionary it says: “See Paul the apostle.”
Paul knew God’s plan for him and followed it in such a way that few—if any—of us could even hope to attempt, let alone achieve. Most of us are not as attuned to God’s plan as was Paul. So, what are we to do? I think the answer is to focus on things above: “…set your hearts and minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Col. 3:1-2). In Colossians 3:1-17, Paul lays out clear and concise rules for earthly living in a spiritual manner. In short, he tells us why we should focus on things above and how to do it.
Practice the rules for earthly living and watch God work in you. Live as servants of God (1 Peter 2:16b) and use your gifts to serve others (1 Peter 4:10). Focus on the Lord. Focus on what He does and is doing in your life. See how He works in and through YOU right now. Really. Stop for just a minute and think about what’s happening in your life and relationships. Read scripture, pray, and open your heart and mind to the promoting of the Spirit. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll see something you have not seen before. You’ll see God working in you. Learn God’s plan for you and then go and do! Avoid being the seed that fell among the thorns or on the rocks (Luke 8:14).
Heavenly Father, open our hearts and minds so that we may see, understand, and obey Your plan for us. Direct our steps and lead us on the path of righteousness You have laid out for us. Fill us with Your Spirit and empower and enable us to do Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.