We
are to be in the world but not of the world... to be separated internally not
externally. As followers of Christ we
live in a duel reality. Externally we are in the world... home to everything
that is contrary to God, the physical realm in which we exist. Internally we
are to be at all times disconnected from the physical realm and plugged into
God’s spiritual realm... His Kingdom, walking in the Spirit of another realm. These
two realms cannot cohabitate and will strive for dominating influence: A carnal,
fleshly Christian allows the cares, desires, and pleasures of earth-life to dominate
their spiritual life... what Jesus called living in the thorn bushes. A
spiritual Christian allows the cares, desires, and pleasures of their King’s
heart to dominate their earth-life... what Jesus called being a “Light” to a
world living in darkness. Spiritual maturity, growing into Christlikeness, is
the degree this influence is unidirectional – from the heart of God, through
man, into the world. The mind is the arbitrator in realm warfare: “For to be carnally minded is
death, but to be spiritually minded is
life and peace.” What we
set our mind on will determine which realm influences the other. This makes
Paul’s command to set one’s mind on things above most important: “Aim
at and seek the rich, eternal
treasures that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. And
set your minds and keep them
set on what is above... the higher things, not on the things that are on the
earth. For as far as this world is concerned you have died,
and your new, real life is hidden with Christ in God.” We need to remember
this at the gossip mill around the coffee machine at work... When someone cuts
us off in traffic... When our neighbor’s dog takes a dump in our backyard...
When we avoid the eyes of the homeless person at the stoplights... When someone
else gets the promotion... When our annual physical takes a detour... When we
get that phone call in the night... We need to remember we are seated in the
heavenlies with Christ... if we choose to be...
(Jn.
17:14-16 NKJV: Rom. 8:6 NKJV; Col. 3:1-3 Amp.)
HIDDEN WITH CHRIST IN GOD
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