Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
By George Stroh
November 11, 2013
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:1, 2)
You have heard the saying; "He is too heavenly minded to be any earthly good". While this may sometimes be true, most people are sadly "too earthly minded to be any heavenly good!"
When we become Christians we are not told to put on our white robes, go to the mountain top and just wait to die or for the Lord to return. The Apostle Paul understood that, for believers, to die and go home to the Lord is indeed a very good thing; For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21) But Paul also knew that while he was still alive, there was much important work for him here on earth; But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. (Philippians 1:23, 24)
Even for us "seasoned citizens", God has work for us to do. We may need to slow down and maybe our job description changes, but if we are breathing, we are to serve the Lord. Someone once asked Pastor Gil Rugh, "When do you plan to retire?" He replied, "When I wake up in heaven I'll know I'm retired."
Even though our work and ministries here on earth continue, our hearts, treasure and citizenship are already in heaven with Jesus; For He has rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. So whatever the lord calls you to do in this life, do it well to His glory. But stay focused on things above where Christ is and not on the passing things of earth. Like the old hymn says;
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim.
In the light of His glory and grace.
Maranatha!
|
