Devotional - August 6, 2025
Scripture: Colossians 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Todays' text represents my highest aspiration. Unfortunately, I often lose sight of in the midst of everyday life, especially when things get tough. Paul encourages us to live each day in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). We are encouraged to mindfully walk in the Kingdom of God (Colossians 3:1), even while walking the earth. With this perspective (Philippians 4: 8-9), our lives could be amazing. Why would I want to walk any other way? To live my life each day fully in the presence of God, mind, body and spirit, cannot be topped. But, Paul needs to remind the Colossians of this because they, like me, have lost sight of it. Why do we lose sight of it? One reason is, it's not natural. We have to practice doing it daily (Phil 4:9), literally practice it. And when we practice walking in Christ, it needs to be done prayerfully (James 1:5). We need to ask God to help us understand the wisdom behind the walk. When we get that wisdom, the walk becomes easier because we believe in it. We understand it. But if you are like me, it is hard to do. I get caught up in the what ifs, what abouts, and what happens when? Compound that with all the challenges that normally occur in this life and, ... oh well. Hopefully, I can help you with something that helps me. I know a few things about what hinders my way of thinking and spiritual life. Socrates said, know thy self and folks, that will preach. I often catch myself thinking categorically. If it is not all right, then it is not alright. Categorical thinking means everything is together and understood as one thing. Either it is all right, and things are as they should be (according to me which is another problem), or it is not, and that makes it all wrong or bad. At times, I struggle to see the positive or good, or that which is in the process of getting there, amidst what is lacking or wrong. Thank God, God has never looked at me or you that way. Love does not work that way (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, Matthew 11: 29-30). If your thinking is like mine, then trying to live by the Law is inviting. It is categorical in nature. With the Law, everything is nice and neat and clean. Try to live it and you will find yourself depressed, angry, and tired (2 Corinthians 3:6). Some give up and leave the faith embittered, worse yet, others stay in the faith embittered. I hope that is not you. If it is, then embrace the saying, I may not be what I should be, but I thank God I am no longer who I used to be. And press on. So many times, Paul releases himself from the bondage of his failures and struggle and keeps pressing on with today's text in mind (Philippians 3:14). But don't just embrace this for yourself, give this freedom to others as well. Practicing this in our lives is difficult, but well worth the time and effort spent seeking to attain it.
Pray with me..., Holy God, help me experience the world through Your Spirit. Help me to love as You love, perceive as you perceive, and act as You act. Continue to work Your wisdom into my life. Thank you for all the blessings You have given me over the years. Hear my prayer, my request, that You bless my loved ones. Hear our prayer for our church, bless us that we might be the blessing You call us to be, in Jesus' name, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
