Bible Passage: “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.” (Colossians 3:1-2)
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:18
John Newton was an 18th-century slave trader who gave his life to Jesus in dramatic fashion after a terrifying brush with death during a terrible storm at sea. He renounced his slavery-supporting way of life and eventually became an Anglican priest who wrote many sermons, books, and hymns.
His dramatic conversion is best reflected in the lyrics of his most famous song:
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind, but now I see!
This great anthem of the faith has inspired Christians for centuries, as a celebration of the beauty of what the Cross of Christ and His resurrection have released to all of us.
Towards the end of his life, Newton said, “My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.”
Both things are needed for the Gospel to take root in a man’s life: the acknowledgement of one’s need of saving, and the acknowledgement of Who can do that saving.
Newton left behind wealth to follow in the way of Christ, and did exactly what today’s passage says: set his heart on heavenly things.
Because Jesus has been raised to life and is living on high, we fix our eyes, our thoughts, our hearts there.
This world will pass away. None of it will remain.
But Heaven is forever.
As we have been raised to life with Christ, He strengthens men to live with eternity in mind. He empowers men to see everything with a heavenly outlook. He calls us to walk out our days on earth knowing this is a temporary season, but the call of eternity is great, putting everything into perspective for us.
Through reading His Word, encountering His Spirit, and participating in our spiritual life with other believers, men of the resurrection refresh themselves constantly in the things of eternity, knowing that this strengthens them here on earth and better prepares them for Heaven.
Prayer: Lord, help me always to remember how temporary the things of earth are. Remind me constantly of Your perspective on everything earthly, that I may be more like Jesus as I do. Amen.
Reflection: Name one “earthly matter” that tends to take over your thoughts. What is a “heavenly” perspective on that matter, and what might help keep that in mind?
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