Is it realistic to expect Christians to always have their minds literally focused on Christ? Hebrews 3:1; 12:2 says: "Looking to Jesus...." He is our Exemplar and the one to emulate. Put everything in respect to the Lord first. The only philosophy or worldview that Christ will fit into is the one where He is the starting point and premier focus. We are not to be so heavenly minded, we are no earthly good, it is well said. This means don't have the perspective of man but see things through Christ's eyes and remembering Him at every opportunity--keeping the door of prayer open. We can be doing the most menial task and do it with the Lord in mind, as unto the Lord and in the name of the Lord, but we must concentrate on the job at hand and not try to multitask. "Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD with slackness..." (Jer. 48:10, ESV).
Being a believer doesn't entail that we neglect the mundane because it is not spiritual. Scripture warrants no distinguishing between sacred and secular duties--they are all to be done as unto the Lord! We need a disciplined mind that redeems the time for the Lord and makes the most of the opportunity given us. You cannot walk in the glow of some mystical or surreal experience for the rest of your life and think that is being spiritual. God honors faith and a faith walk more than going by feelings or being dependent on them. Faith is what pleases God (cf. Heb. 11:6).
When we bring glory to God through our works we are minding heavenly things. The goal of our thoughts and the pleasure of our thinking should be heavenly as we delight in the things of God in heaven: "Delight yourself in the LORD..." (cf. Psalm 37:4). As we walk with the Lord in fellowship we enjoy His presence and blessing on our life, and we can see things in light of eternity as we have a more abundant life and live life to the fullest.
Being a believer doesn't entail that we neglect the mundane because it is not spiritual. Scripture warrants no distinguishing between sacred and secular duties--they are all to be done as unto the Lord! We need a disciplined mind that redeems the time for the Lord and makes the most of the opportunity given us. You cannot walk in the glow of some mystical or surreal experience for the rest of your life and think that is being spiritual. God honors faith and a faith walk more than going by feelings or being dependent on them. Faith is what pleases God (cf. Heb. 11:6).
When we bring glory to God through our works we are minding heavenly things. The goal of our thoughts and the pleasure of our thinking should be heavenly as we delight in the things of God in heaven: "Delight yourself in the LORD..." (cf. Psalm 37:4). As we walk with the Lord in fellowship we enjoy His presence and blessing on our life, and we can see things in light of eternity as we have a more abundant life and live life to the fullest.
Cloistered virtue is no virtue: The monks of the dark ages would escape from the world to meditate in monasteries and their retreat from the world's cares was thought to make them "holy." ("Holier than thou" is more like it!) God has put us in the world, but we are not part of it (cf. John 15:19).
We do not live for the here and now, as the heathen do, but in light of eternity and in preparation for the coming of the Lord. When we see things from the divine viewpoint in Christ's perspective, we can live confidently and keep focused on what's really important--"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..." (cf. Matt. 6:33). I know of no greater joy than of doing the Lord's work and if I can see that what I am doing has His blessing I enjoy it all the more--we live for the approbation and applause of our Savior, not man's approval. If we are ready to meet our Maker we have certainly gotten our minds focused on the eternal and have put everything into perspective.
The more we treasure things in heaven and the more we have at stake here, the more focused we will be on heavenly things. Once you've experienced the joy of the Lord, you will not settle for the cheap thrills of this life and what it has to offer. We don't chase earthly fantasies or dreams that have no spiritual benefit. We need heavenly goals and a divine purpose, setting our plans on something that will outlast this life and count in eternity.
We do not live for the here and now, as the heathen do, but in light of eternity and in preparation for the coming of the Lord. When we see things from the divine viewpoint in Christ's perspective, we can live confidently and keep focused on what's really important--"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..." (cf. Matt. 6:33). I know of no greater joy than of doing the Lord's work and if I can see that what I am doing has His blessing I enjoy it all the more--we live for the approbation and applause of our Savior, not man's approval. If we are ready to meet our Maker we have certainly gotten our minds focused on the eternal and have put everything into perspective.
The more we treasure things in heaven and the more we have at stake here, the more focused we will be on heavenly things. Once you've experienced the joy of the Lord, you will not settle for the cheap thrills of this life and what it has to offer. We don't chase earthly fantasies or dreams that have no spiritual benefit. We need heavenly goals and a divine purpose, setting our plans on something that will outlast this life and count in eternity.
An example of a heavenly philosophy would be: I want to be a great Christian with a great commitment to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. Having the right mindset (getting our thinking straightened out) will give us endurance and orientation to face the trials and tribulations of life--our attitude counts. Soli Deo Gloria!
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