Something Parents Do

Do you ever find yourself repeating again to your children something that you have told them either that week, that day, that hour or even them in the previous minute? Why do we do that? I am not sure why other parents do it but I usually do it for two reasons. The first is that I know my children did not get it the first time either by the look on their face or by their actions in not following my instructions. The other reason stems from the fact that it is information that I consider important. I smiled today as one of my students was talking about how her teacher repeated everything three times and she demonstrated for me. I reminded her that all of his students were probably not as bright as she was and did not understand the first two times. She did not think that was quite it but she was able to repeat word for word one such item that the teacher had repeated three times. Which I think proves my point.

In Colossians 3, Paul has some repetition that at a first glance looks like he is repeating himself but on a second glance he is just making sure we get it. I am referring to Colossians 3:1,2. “Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (niv) We have been raised with Christ. We are no longer dead. So where is my heart? Is it with my Savior and is with someone or something else? Honestly I struggle with this daily. I want so for my heart to be with my Savior but often it strays to what is comfortable or what is easy. It is not something I can do on my own but only through God’s spirit. The heart deals with my desires, longings and passions. It is only when our hearts are set on things above that His Kingdom can truly be advanced. But Paul says that God not only wants our hearts but also our minds. Set your mind on things above not on earthly things. This almost seems to be saying the same things but I think it is different. The mind for me refers to my thoughts, what is going on in my head. It is a conscious act of my will that I am setting my mind on thing above. I am actively choosing the kingdom over the things of this earth. When I say that it is a conscious act of my will, I am not saying I am doing it on my own power. But when the Holy Spirit prompts, I still have to act. I still have to choose the things above. I have to choose if I will follow the Spirit’s leading to pray instead of sleeping in. I have to choose to talk about the things of God with a friends instead of just everyday things. God doesn’t just want my heart but my mind also. In fact, He wants all of me. I don’t know if I am up to the task but I know I have a God who is.

Dear God, May today I set my heart on things above with your Son Jesus. May my wants and desires be for your kingdom. May I not only set my heart on things above but also my mind. May I choose the your kingdom over the kingdom of comfort I often try to build for myself. May Your Kingdom come. May your will be done. In earth as it is in heaven. Amen