CITIZENS OF HEAVEN

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, NASB)

Devotion 11 of 24

HEAVENLY MINDEDNESS IS THE STANDARD

In Christ, heavenly mindedness is the norm, not the exception. It is interesting that many of our peers are warned regularly about being TOO heavenly minded. Many times I have been told, "Lighten up," "Let's not get too spiritual," or "Is the Bible all you think about?" Of recent years it has even become popular to say, "Do not be so heavenly minded you are no earthly good." Of course, that does not represent the Divine perspective, but actually sharply conflicts with it. Actually, it is better said, "Do not be so earthly minded you are no heavenly good."

Satan has persuaded key people in the religious community that dwelling upon things "above" causes one to lose effectiveness and relevancy with men. This is imagined to be a key factor in building a large congregation. Thus services are tailored to exclude, what is called, "the deeper things," so the carnally minded will not be offended. However, this is a delusion, instigated and nurtured by the "prince of the power of the air." It is not to be tolerated for a single hour by the people of God! There is nothing right about it. Every aspect of this imagination is marked by spiritual death and deception! If our affection is not set on things above, we will not be dwelling in the house of the Lord forever! The "world to come" (Heb 2:5) and "this present evil world" (Gal 1:4) are not compatible. The closer you get to one, the further you get from the other.

Actually, in contradiction of the world's notion, a heavenly perspective gives power to human influence. At no point does it neutralize godly effectiveness. It is never a liability to be heavenly minded, to seek things above, or focus on things unseen. In fact, you can only see life correctly while you are looking at things "unseen" (2 Cor 4:17-18). You have the Lord Jesus Himself as the example. It is always a detriment to be earthly minded.

God has spoken on this matter, so there is no justifiable reason for being ignorant about it. "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, NOT on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God" (Col 3:1-3). It is not possible to seek "first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matt 6:33) while focusing on earthly matters. Who is the person that will affirm you can "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matt 6:20), while your mind is pinned to the earth like Sisera's head?

There is no heavenly direction apart from heavenly mindedness. How can the Lord guide men with His eye (Psa 32:8), if they are looking at the world? How can the race to glory be effectively completed if we are not "looking to Jesus" (Heb 12:1-2)? How can you love the Lord "with all of your mind" (Matt 22:37), when it is filled with matters pertaining to this world?

The word of the Lord is this: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Phil 4:8). What is the realm in which these things are found? Heaven or earth? Judge for yourself.

Who can contradict these things? Yet, such contradictions are submitted to the people of God on a regular basis. But after all is said and done, heavenly mindedness is the norm of the Kingdom. It is the only acceptable mindset. You do not want to wait until the day of judgment to find that is the case.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, help me to maintain a heavenly focus, that I may be more aware of You and Your will.

-- Tomorrow: JESUS CHRIST, THE SUPREME EXAMPLE --