Scripture

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honour at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

Observation

We have been raised to new life with Christ, and so we need to fix our eyes on Jesus, who sits at the right hand of God. Our thoughts should be about heavenly things not earthly things.

We have died to the earthly life, and our real life, is hidden with Chris We will share in his glory when Christ is revealed to the world.

So we need to get rid of the sinful things of the world, like lust, greed, and evil desires. Anger, rage slander, and dirty language must also go.

We must put on the new nature letting God renew us.

Application

When I gave my life to the Lord, I took on a new life and a new nature.

Now, I am seated in heavenly realms, although my body remains anchored in this world.

Instead of letting my body and my old nature dominate my spirit, I must allow my spirit in partnership with the Holy Spirit, to,direct my body.

This means taking a stand against my sinful desires, and allowing God to purify me. When my body is allowed to call the shots sexual desires become disordered. When my body calls the shots, I become greedy rather than trusting the Lord to supply my every need. When others offend me, I can become angry instead of forgiving.

The way of Christ is all consuming. He demands everything. But as I yield it all to him, he makes me different.

Prayer

O Lord help me to surrender my sinful desires to you and trust you to refine my soul. Amen.