Monday, 29 November 2021
FOCUS ON THE SPIRITUAL
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2).
In Luke 22, the Bible tells us how Jesus announced His impending death as He had Communion with His disciples. He used the occasion to reveal that one of them — Judas Iscariot — would betray Him. Shortly afterwards, Judas approached the priests and scribes and agreed to lead them to Jesus in exchange for money.
When they got to Jesus, He said to them, “When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness” (Luke 22:53). Why did Jesus say, “…this is your hour, and the power of darkness” even though the prophetic word stated clearly that He’d be arrested? He was drawing our attention to something spiritual, which is the fact that the power of darkness was behind His arrest.
This gives us a perfect example as to being spiritually alert. How conscious are you of who’s controlling your thoughts and actions? When you make a decision, who’s responsible? Always focus on the spiritual, and not on the things you perceive with your physical senses. Be sure that your actions, thoughts and desires are always God-inspired. Let the Holy Spirit lead and guide you in all things. Set your affections on Him. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Set your mind on the eternal Word of God and let the Holy Spirit be your teacher. The Bible says, “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:5-6).
PRAYER: Dear Father, by the power of your Spirit, I consciously exercise my mind to focus on the spiritual realities of the Word, things that are honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. I’m spiritually minded, allowing only the thoughts guided by the Word, to the praise and glory of your Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 8:5-6; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Philippians 3:20
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Peter 3 & Ezekiel 41-42
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 16:1-11 & 1 Chronicles 29