Set Minds On Things Above

SET YOUR MINDS ON THINGS ABOVE, NOT ON EARTHLY THINGS. COL 3.2.

These days, increasingly we are hearing ‘the voice and message of the world’ in the Church! Economics and financial issues and even politics, have become burning topics of sermons and seminars. It is not without reason, for most of the urban churches today have become the cradle of the rich, famous and powerful. There are no poor in our churches and if there are, they are ignored! Looking at the urban churches of today, those with discerning minds cannot but concede that we may be truly in what may be called the ‘Laodicean period or state’!

The risen Lord who walked in the midst of the Laodicean church had this to say to the leaders, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. …You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” (Rev 3.15-17).

I once heard a preacher earnestly encouraging the people in a large and prosperous city church to spend time with God that they may hear His voice and get direction for their lives. But it so happened that all his illustrations were about how God frequently ‘gave words’ which when the people obeyed, they gained vast riches and greater prosperity and health!

In contrast, I remember a small church in the city where I once preached. It was a church of the poor, working class believers. Their theme for that year was, ‘Be you holy, because I am holy!” They invited me to teach them ‘lifestyle personal evangelism’ in their eagerness to reach out to the lost.

Wealth and honour come from the Lord (1 Chr 29.12). You needn’t seek after it. It is high time that the church of Jesus Christ and its leaders seriously consider ways and means to separate themselves from ‘the world and its lusts - interests’. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all the things you need will be added to your life” (Mt 6.24).

Dear believer, the Word of God clearly states, “greed is idolatry”. But it has entered the Church by the backdoor, camouflaged in the present-day prosperity gospel and millionaire seminars!! See how greed is equated in the Bible with all other serious sins! Dear believer, you are cautioned , “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived” (Col 3.5-7).

We need much spiritual wisdom and courage to live in this world and not to be of this world; to walk on the earth but be heavenly minded! But it is possible to the one who believes and acts! Will you?

Pray and practise with me: Dear Lord, , let me not be entrapped by the snares of the riches of this world that I have no time to labour for the riches of heaven through reading Your Word, prayer and ministering daily in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.