THINKING HIGHER

The Lord God of the Bible declared, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than [human] thoughts” (Isiah 55:9). And the Bible tells us to set our minds and “hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God… not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

EARTHLY THINKING MAY BE SEEN IN MANY BOOKS OF HUMANS

One example of many earthly books is titled, A NEW EARTH: AWAKENING TO YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE. This book is an example of many books of humans that essentially focus on thinking about present earthly things. The author of this book is said to be “widely recognized as one of the most inspiring and visionary spiritual teachers in the world today.” His book is said to have been translated into over 50 languages and influenced millions. He teaches his readers to consciously think on “positive things” about this present world and self to achieve a “new earth” purpose in life. He instructs them to disregard the past and the future, but to concentrate on present positive things of the earth for self-fulfillment. 

THE BIBLE SHEDS LIGHT ON GOD’S  HIGHER HEAVENLY THINKING

Despite the popularity of many earthly books, the Bible is reported by the Guinness Book of Records and others to be “the best-selling book of all time.” 

When we examine and compare the different thinking about things in the biblical Word of God to the thinking of this world, it may be seen that God has a higher level of thinking: 

DIFFERENT THINKING ABOUT PURPOSES IN LIFE.  Books like “A NEW EARTH” talk about finding your purpose in life by focusing positive things in this world.

The written Word of God says all things, including all people, were created by the Lord and for his purpose, which is to glorify God and conform us to the likeness of God’s Son. ( John 1:1-4: Colossians 1:16; Roman 8:29).

DIFFERENT THINKING ABOUT THINGS IN THE WORLD. NEW-EARTH-type writings tell people toconsciously think on “positive things” about this present world and self to achieve success in  life.

The Bible says: “the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world” (1 John 2:16).

Furthermore, the Bible tells people, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33). And “take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

DIFFERENT THINKING ABOUT PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. Earthly-focused books instruct people to concentrate primary on present earthly things for self-fulfillment.

The Bible says all Scriptures written in the past, were written for our learning, teaching and being completely equipped for dealing with life now and in the life to come (Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Mark 10:29-30). 

Yet, the Bible predicted that the time would come “when people will not put up with sound [biblical] doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Such false teachers “do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive” (Romans 16:18)

But the Bible counsels people who are attracted to the light of the truth of Christ: “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). Yet, because of the Lord’s great love, he tells his followers to pray for those who are in darkness (1 Timothy 1-6); and gentle try to teach them, that they might come to the light of Christ (2 Timothy 2:25).

Speaking more about time and truth in the Bible, God said: “he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). And “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). 

The Scriptures tells us: “God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached [about Jesus Christ] to save those who believe…For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom.” (1 Corinthians 1:20-25). 

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8; Ephesians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).