THE POWER OF A NEW AFFECTION
Devotion 3 of 12

"If then 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. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." -- Colossians 3:1-3, NASB

Defining Affection #2
Thought or consideration
Because we bear the divine imagery, we are capable of thought, contemplation, deliberation, or reflection. We are custodians of the capacity to think, and do well to give diligence to think properly. The image of God within us, makes thought integral to our nature. We can neither sin nor do righteousness without the involvement of thought. It is tragic that so much religion of our day is deficient in the area of thought.  Contemplation, reasoning, and discernment are too often strangers in this realm, where they should be most dominate. 

     The word  translated "affection" in Colossians 3:2 is rendered "thought" in several passages. Familiarity with these texts will help enlarge our consideration of the subject. "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought (such a thought, NIV) of thine heart may be forgiven thee" (Acts 8:22). "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly (with sober judgement, NIV), according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Rom 12:3). "And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another" (1 Cor 4:6). These texts involve focused consideration, something integral to "affection."

A mind set
      A "mind set" is a way of thinking. The heart, whether good or evil, dictates the manner in which we think. The bent of our mind determines the kind of individual we are. This is the meaning of Solomon's saying, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he . . . " (Prov 23:7). The thrust, or emphasis, of our thoughts must be Godward and heavenward. We cannot hope  to please or fellowship with God if our minds are not inclined toward Him. 

     The use of the word translated "affection" in our text (Col 3:2), often accentuates this meaning. "For they that are after the flesh do mind (have their minds set, NIV) the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit" (Rom 8:5). "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend (be willing, NIV) to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits" (Rom 12:16). "Let this mind (attitude, NIV) be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil 2:5). "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded (take such a view): and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you" (Phil 3:15). "Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind (live up to, NIV) the same thing" (Phil 3:16). "Whose end is destruction, whose God is their
belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind  (their mind is on, NIV) earthy things" (Phil 3:19).

-- TOMORROW: DEFINING AFFECTION #3 --