“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Col.3.2
Discussion
The bible is loud on where our priorities should be in life. There are many things fighting for our attention in this world. Some are sins but the far greater majority aren't sins but are legitimate needs/desires which can become obstacles to our spiritual growth. Col 3:2 instructs us to set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth. When your life's pursuits consist only of more money, more luxuries, more pleasures, etc, you have set your affections on things on earth and these will hinder your spiritual growth and prevent you from living to please God. We are risen with Christ and are right now seated with Christ in heavenly places. This is our spiritual state. The bible tells us to give priority to our spiritual state, growth and functioning. So, we're not to be Iike Esau. Heb.12.16-17; "Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau. He traded his birthright as the oldest son for a single meal. And afterward, when he wanted his father's blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he wept bitter tears."NLT. Esau valued food on the table more than walking in God's plan. There are people today who value financial gain more than integrity; prosperity more than righteousness; worldly service more than kingdom service. This is not good. Our God is not one you can pay lip service to and get away with it. There is coming a day of reckoning. Just as Esau valued food more than the birthright and missed out on God's eternal best for him, if you put more value on food above spiritual essentials like prayer, fasting, bible study, soul winning etc, you'll also miss out on God's best for you. Be careful not to trade your birthright for something temporal. Bored with church but active when watching a movie. Spending much money to buy things you love but grumbling at the opportunity to help a fellow believer. No matter how much money you have on earth, it has no eternal value for you until you are a blessing to the kingdom of God and through the kingdom of God. Read Matt.6.19-21. Give yourself to soul winning and the spread of God's kingdom. This is infinitely and eternally more valuable than anything else you could accomplish on earth. I pray this inspires you to value kingdom matters above worldly matters. Shalom Uvracha!
Prayer
Dear Father, in Christ's name, I henceforth put more value on eternal matters than on earthly matters. My affection is set on things above, not on things on the earth. Amen!