Colossians 3:1-4
Seek the Things That Are Above

The things above Paul instructs us to seek are not angels and streets of gold. As Pastor Dave helpfully noted, Paul explains in the same sentence that things above means Christ, seated in a place of power, status, and glory. Affirm before him: Lord Jesus, I have died and been raised in you. My life is bound up in you. You are my Master and King, and my greatest desire is to live a life worthy of you. (1:10)

Lest those words ring hollow, we need to examine where our minds are set. Dave explained that setting one’s mind means more than thinking; it means to have a settled understanding, a sustained devotion. He also explained that setting our minds on things above does not mean we should not participate in earthly things. The question is, what is our motivation for engaging in particular activities? With what mindset do we pursue them? Specific examples Dave explored included work and our kids’ sports, and he asked, Does Christ “own” those earthly activities or do those activities own me? I plan to lead my small group in this simple exercise: List on paper all the things you did in the last week. Then, for each one, ask: Why did I do it? Do my reasons have anything to do with Christ and his kingdom? You can do the same exercise on your own before the Lord.

Sunday’s passage says that our lives are hidden with Christ. Dave noted that Christ is hidden from the world; the world doesn’t see him. That is why a Christian who is truly living in Christ seems so strange to the world. But Dave also noted that Christ is hidden in part from us. We think, I am supposed to be a new creation, but I fail in so many ways. It is easy to become frustrated with ourselves and discouraged by the “now and not yet” aspect of life in Christ. Pray for patience and hopeful perseverance for yourself and your brothers and sisters.

Calvary Family

After hearing the sermon, a friend shared the insight that it’s possible to attend church, and even serve, on Sunday morning but with an earthly mindset. Attending the service as a consumer, hoping to get something I need, or as a critic, grading the music or preaching, reveals an earthly mindset. Serving in the Children’s Department out of a sense of reluctant obligation also indicates an earthly mindset. A Christ-centric mindset rejoices at the chance to plant seeds of God’s truth in young lives. Pray that our Calvary family will truly seek the things above when we gather each Sunday.

Ann and Jack Brucks sent me an update on their son Mark. They wrote, “Praise God! The results from Mark’s MRI and CT scan revealed no visible cancer in his mouth. However, because this cancer has returned twice, the doctors will be treating him with both radiation and chemo. Please pray that his witness will remain strong as he goes through this process.” Mark and his family live in Corona.

Shawna Pina requests prayer for her mother, Mary, who was recently diagnosed with uterine cancer. Mary lives alone in Lancaster. Shawna also shared that she and her mother do not have a good relationship. Ask God to use this health crisis to improve the relationship between mother and daughter.

Beth Koup suggests we pray for the family of Olivia Lowrance, who passed away last week. Long-time Calvary members will recall that Olivia and her husband were missionaries supported by Calvary.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea