FOCUSING ON HEAVENLY THINGS FIRST
The Word of God said, “set your minds on things above where Christ is… not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:1-2). But some people tend to focus primarily on earthy things. However, our loving and all-wise God advises all to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things [according to his will] shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33; 1 John 5:14-15).
THE WORD SHOWS THERE IS GREAT DANGER IN FOCUSING ON EARTHLY THINGS FIRST.
Jesus told a parable about the peril of a man, who focused primarily on things of the world. The man spent his life accumulating and indulging himself in things of the world. He forgot about the Lord and heavenly things. He prospered in status and acquired so many things of earthly value that he needed more space for it all. So, he thought of ways to save and keep it. He had prepared to “take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” But God said to him, you fool! “This very night your life is demanded from you.” (Luke 12:13-21).
In primarily pursuing happiness and success through earthly things, one may unwittingly become addicted to these things. Having more diverse and decadent forms of earthly attractions and opportunities in today’s technological advanced societies may tempt many people to become “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4).
However, to avoid loving the things of this world more than loving God, one should remember: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). And also think about what Jesus asked in his concern for people’s salvation: “ What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul (Marl 8:36)?
GOD’S WORD WARNS PEOPLE ABOUT TEACHERS WHO FOCUS PRIMARILY ON EARTHLY THINGS.
Our Lord who died for our salvation, said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15). In his Word, the Lord tells people there are false teachers who “distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:30). Such teachers mix truth with lies, emphasizing earthly rather heavenly things, telling people what they want to hear, to attract people to themselves (2 Timothy 4:3).
God advises his followers: “Have nothing to do with such people” (2 Timothy 3:4); for they and “the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Yet, God urges his people to pray for all people— 2 for 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1-6). And the Lord’s true believers are told to gently teach the true gospel of Jesus Christ to those who do not really follow him; in “ hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:26).
THERE IS GREAT REWARD AND BENEFITS IN FOCUSING FIRST ON HEAVENLY THING
- The Bible says, “know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32).
- “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
- “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (1 Corinthians 5:21).
- Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things you need and desire shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33; Psalm 37:4), according to his will (1 John 5:14-15).
- Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? (Romans 8:32).
- Our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ said, “I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3).
- There is “a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give…unto all them also that love his appearing” (1 Timothy 4:8).
- Furthermore, “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” —the things God has prepared for those who love him— (1 Corinthians 2:9).
GOD’S WORD LOVINGLY COUNSELS YOU, “SET YOUR MINDS ON THINGS ABOVE WHERE CHRIST IS… NOT ON EARTHLY THINGS” (COLOSSIANS 3:1-2).
