If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2
It is much easier to look up at night, at least on a clear night, when there are stars and the moon to view, than in the daytime, when all we see are clouds and hopefully some blue sky. The sight of those stars always makes me wonder how far away they are, and why, if they are billions of kilometers away, we can see them at all. Even the moon, at its great distance from the earth, is a fair-sized disk when full. Despite their distance, we can see and appreciate them. How much better should we be able to bring into view the spiritual promises and beauties of our heavenly home?
Paul is reminding the Colossians that they are to look for the heavenly things and not be occupied with the horizontal view that takes in the temporary creation about us that is just waiting to be burned up. Yes, our physical eyes can see the world all about us. But having risen with Christ, we now have a vision that transcends the physical. Just as when we first trusted the Saviour, we were able to appreciate His work on the cross, so today, we can by faith appreciate His work in preserving us and in preparing a home for us in Heaven. We love our homes here, but we will have to give them up sometime. How much better to love the prospect of the mansions He is preparing! We are limited in what we can appreciate of heaven, because it is so far beyond what we have ever seen here. But we can start with turning our eyes upward, and looking for His coming.
What do we set our affections on? We all have our treasures of one kind or another, whether they be possessions, places, or people. And some of these things are appropriate to be fond of. But we need to grasp the reality that our greatest affections should be directed heavenward. Do we love His appearing? Do we love the prospect of being forever with the Lord? Do we love the eternal plans and purposes of the Almighty?
As the days and years go by, may our affections grow for those things that are above, that we may be found watching when our Lord returns. -Jim MacIntosh