THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE

We read the word "mind-set" in magazine and newspaper editorials and in the many fine articles written by my brethren and others. We think of the word as something new but it has been in the dictionary for a good long while and is defined like this: "A fixed mental attitude or disposition that predetermines a person's responses to and interpretations of situations." Paul used it as he wrote to the Colossians: "Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth" (Colossians 3:2). "Set your mind" he said. Or let your "mind-set" be thus. So it must be if we intend to reap the reward of heaven after a while. But where is our mind or what is our mind-set?

Parents have their minds set on raising their children. But what do we have in mind as we expend our efforts, our time and our money? Is it preparing them for eternity or here and now? We make sure they are in school but do we concern ourselves with the things they come in contact with while there. Do we teach them about modest apparel and eternity or do we let them adhere to the belly-button, cleavage showing (front or back) flesh piercing, fashions of time?

We must make money to fulfill 1 Timothy 5:8 but do we allow making money to become our mind- set? We need to remember that Paul sets forth "the desire to be rich" right alongside with being rich. There is danger in both. What is our mind-set in regard to money? Is our love of money for the purpose of providing the things we need or the things we lust after?

Really, are our minds set on "things above" or on "things below?" Do we "predetermine our responses" to that or something else? Only you, after an HONEST inspection of self can answer that question.

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