It is easy to become absorbed with the world around us and it is even easier to become absorbed with the bubble we live in. The bubble being where we live, go to work and who we spend the most time with. When we become consumed with the things of this world our eye sight shifts down as we attempt to muscle our way through the day. Our new life with Christ calls us to keep our sights up. Each day is an opportunity to lean into that new life. Looking up helps us to frame our perspective on God and the things He sees. If we want to be free from the mundane and sometimes overwhelming world we must set our focus on Him. He will give us His perspective. His perspective is what transforms our minds and shows us that the mundane is beautiful and the overwhelming is just a set up for bigger things on the horizon. We must be present with Him and our lives, but our sights must be set above, not on what is happening right in front of us.
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.
Colossians 3:1-2 NIV
Our one and only obligation in this life is to live according to the Spirit. We must resist with every bit of energy we can muster against our flesh, I.E. the ways of the world. We are tempted daily to worry, to have angst, and to be fearful. We may even be lured into anger or lust. This is the path to death not life. God wants life for each of us, He wants a full life that is bursting with every joy and happiness. This is the life we are called to live. However, we cannot have this life when we try to do it all ourselves. This world has so many strongholds. Trying to face it on our own with will power alone is futile, we will cripple under the pressure. When we choose to turn to the Spirit in times of weakness this is the strongest act we can do. He is ready to help us navigate the valleys and He cannot wait to celebrate with us on the mountain tops. We must allow God to lead us as a parent leads a child. We have things to do and places to go. Let’s get moving with His affectionately guiding hand.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
Romans 8:12-14 NIV
A Story of Setting My Sights Above:
My family and I have been carrying a $3K+ mortgage a month for going on 3 months. It is a home that we love dearly. This was the first home to 2 of our children. However, we do not live in it because we are a military family. We are far away right now and we know we cannot keep carrying the mortgage without renters.
We have made the tough decision to put the property up for sale. We have had to pray that we can no longer hold out to find renters. We are trusting in God with no plan B. After all isn’t that what it really means to trust Him? No plan B. Just plan A; trust in God. Every moment I am praying that we are following His direction. The world around me definitely makes me question it though. Telling me that I should keep my options open. Trying to inject fear that nothing will happen and I should have planned better.
I still don’t know what will happen, but I do feel peace. It is the peace and contentment that I let lead me. The Spirit is with us. I will keep my sights above, because nothing else makes sense. I have no idea how it will all work out, but I have complete faith in God taking care of us.
- Anonymous
Strengthen the Christian Planner Family by sharing your experiences. We'd love to hear a story about God's work in your life. Use the form linked below to submit your story.
Considerations for your planner:
- What are you consumed with right now? Write it down. Now ask God to shift your perspective on Him. Do this habitually until trusting Him first becomes second nature.
- What do you feel obligated by today? Is it of God or of this world? Write down how you want God to lead you as your parent. Speak out loud to Him. He will intercede and give you direction.
