*Things Unseen*: September 2012

Lately, I've been rattled thinking about what it means to have our minds "set on the things above". I have thought over and over about what it looks like to truly have an "eternal mindset". In language class and again while visiting a different city, I was reminded of how an eternal mindset is crucial because the task He has called us to is a huge one, that only He can accomplish.

While visiting the other city, I was face to face with the wickedness and idolatry of the three major religions in our country. We saw idol worship in many forms- statues, trees/creation, tombs of dead "saints", buildings, animals, money, actions, living people, self, etc. (See pictures below). My heart was grieved at the sight of so many people outwardly worshiping anything but the living God. I was appalled at the thought of how many people worship creation and not the Creator.

A few days later, while in language class, I was reminded of another side of the same ugly coin. We read a book about war. The book "Why?" is a wordless picture book that blew me away with wordless emotion. I was reminded/destroyed for all of the war and hate that is happening in our world. In the country we live in, there are high tensions especially among religious groups. These tensions spill out every moment, reaching into the streets and ruining homes and lives. It is absolutely heartbreaking that all around the world there are wars and rumors of wars taking place day after day.

Then, I thought about how easy it is to get overwhelmed from all these things. How can we reach people with the Truth when there are so many lies and so much hate? I began to reflect on how worship is incredibly outward in this country, but how it is so inward and secretive in our home country. Each one of these idols are openly worshiped in the west, as well as the east. We inwardly hate and discuss it only in small groups. What is a believer to do? Where do we turn? Where do we go? If we know where to go, what do we do once we get there?

The Lord has been teaching and showing me lately how to handle these situations. It starts with a heavenly mindset. As Colossians 3:1-2 says:
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
An eternal mindset. We are to look to Christ and have our hearts and minds set on the things of Christ, living a cross centered life every day. No matter if you are a car salesman, an engineer, or a pastor, an eternal mindset focusing on Christ is the way to NOT be overwhelmed by this world.

Jesus said it best in John 16:33:
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

We are to set our mind on the One who overcame all of the troubles and problems in this world. The One who took all our sin to the cross and freed us from having to strive for perfection! The One who has given us life and delivered us from death! The One who has paid the price for us and the world!

It is in that mindset that the Lord will begin to transform not only me and you, but also all of the situations around us. Wars will stop. People will step into faith in Jesus. A movement of people who also want the "mind of Christ" will rise up around us and forsake the lies and contradictions of this world!

Oh Father, how we long to have you come into our hearts and soul in such a way that we are focused on your son, Jesus, while He sits at your right hand. We want to be focused on your Kingdom so that you can bring your Kingdom to earth through us! Answer the Lord's prayer through your slaves Lord! Bring light into the darkness all around us, pierce the powers of the evil one with Your Truth and bring your Kingdom in power! We love you Lord and give ourselves for Your service.

Amen.