HIGHER PERSPECTIVE

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the ruts of daily life – jobs, family and social commitments, homes, to-do lists, and even time-consuming distractions. We go from one thing to the next, usually focused on earthly demands and pleasures. It can feel like a difficult tension sometimes, to get through each day with appropriate attention on godly priorities.

Thankfully, we’re not the first to navigate this, and Scripture offers direction. Paul reminded the Colossians to take a higher perspective: “If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth,” (NASB, Colossians 3:1-2). And just a few verses after the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us of precisely that: “‘For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,’” (NASB, Matthew 6:21).

Consider what it looks like to have a higher perspective as you go about daily life. How can our job, chores, or commute help us focus on “things above,” as Paul encouraged? What else could we include?

Contemplate any habits or practices that might help us redirect our attention to God’s promises. We might think of worship, prayer, serving others, or fasting. How often do we participate in these things?

Jeff