THE POWER OF A NEW AFFECTION

Devotion 4 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 #3 A Pattern of thought

A pattern of thought is much like a "mind set." It is a manner of thinking; i.e., a particular way of thinking. The way we reason is our pattern of thought. Paul uses the word Greek word "phroneo" in this way. "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought (reasoned, NIV) as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things" (1 Cor 13:11). The admonition to set our affection on things above is a mandate to think like heavenly citizens, not like people of "this present evil world." This is not an option for the people of God. Those who think after the manner of the flesh, or with a worldly mind-set, cannot please God. In fact, such are hostile to God and destined for destruction (Rom 8:5-8). We are speaking about serious matters!

A regard, or view

We "regard" something when the consideration of it molds our conduct. "Regard" includes esteem, admiration, and respect. The word from which this "affection" is translated (phroneo) is also translated "regard" in Scripture. "He that REGARDETH the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that REGARDETH not the day, to the Lord he doth not REGARD it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks" (Rom 14:6). Preferences, in this text, were determined by a love and respect for the living God. Even though the person thinking it was unlawful to eat meat was technically wrong (1 Tim 4:3-4), the fact that his conduct was molded by a deep regard for God was honored by the Lord. Some will considcer this a compromising position, but that is what the Lord has said.

Agreement, in harmony with

Properly viewed, "affection" includes the idea of harmony, or oneness. An affection for things above, then, involves joyful harmony and acquiescence with them. Notice the use of word "phroneo" in the following passages. "Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be LIKE MINDED (the spirit of unity, NIV) one toward another according to Christ Jesus" (Rom 15:5). "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of ONE MIND, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you" (2 Cor 13:11). "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be LIKE MINDED, having the same love, being of one accord, of ONE MIND" (Phil 2:2). "I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the SAME MIND (agree with each other, NIV) in the Lord" (Phil 4:2). "I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded (no other view, NIV): but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be" (Gal 5:10). In a day of religious confusion, it is rare, indeed, to find people with the SAME MIND concerning the things of God. Allow me to be candid on this matter. Those who are at variance with God in their thinking are at variance with God Himself. Having an affection for "things above" is a frame of spirit that delights in and embraces the revelation of the mind of the Lord. While God is present to strengthen the individual in this area, working in him to "will and to do of His own good pleasure" (Phil 2:13), the effort of the person is emphatically required. If you do not set your affection on things above, it will be be set there! If you extend a hearty and aggressive effort to do this, God will see to it that it is accomplished. it is really just that simply.

-- TOMORROW: DEFINING AFFECTION #4 --