Being earthly-minded I find it difficult to sort between things which are seen in contrast to those unseen. I am occupied with my mind processes, my physical preoccupations, pursuit of my interests, as well as giving attention to my hopes and dreams.
It is no wonder I am focused on things below. It is where I live. The things which are seen captivate my senses and my attention. But what about the things which are unseen? How do we live with the right mix of what we need for now alongside our connections for the life to come? How can we give attention to what the Bible calls things above?
“Inasmuch as you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” – Colossians 3:1-4
Certainly this is a huge part of finding a satisfied mind. A heart at peace. Here are a few things to consider about the things above.
What does above mean?
While we are not given extensive information on other realms, we do know certain things about the dwelling place of God – and the “place” we are supposed to fix our attention.
Some of the things above:
√ Our Intercessor is there praying for us
√ There is forgiveness that brings rest for agitation
√ There is shared glory already won by Jesus
√ There is reconciliation making ALL things new!
To think about:
√ The Father and His throne is one of never-ending glory. This is why He is our Sun and our Shield. He is our Light of life as well as the Guardian of our souls.
√ Jesus and His throne is filled with devotion and lavish love. He is our connection and friendship into Light Itself.
√ We also encounter the unlimited and unhindered Spirit of God emanating from this realm. The Spirit is our 24/7 companion, inviting us and leading us to freedom.
√ We also understand there is deep devotion of myriads of angels. It appears one-third are allies to the adversary, and two-thirds are servants of the Living God.
√ There is also the rich expression of the four living creatures. These exist to express the glory of God toward His creation.
√ In addition there are twenty-four elders subjected to the authority of the King over all things. This is part of the picture of the reigning order of heaven – something which is difficult for us to comprehend.
√ It appears the will of God is directed from the third heaven, where our great God is enthroned forever.
Here are a few of things which “will be” as the things below converge with the things above, and as Jesus makes all things new:
√ There will be clarity of glory and we will share in it (1 Corinthians 15; Isaiah 48:11).
√ There will be complete reconciliation (Philippians 3:21; Colossians 1:20).
√ Absolute truth will reign over all (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 10:26).
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” – Hebrews 4:12-13 (naked and seized by the throat = laid bare)
Our insight into the things above often flow from:
A Pure Heart, Knowing God, Doing Kindness, and Growing Life
Here are some great conversations to engage:
√ How may I experience what is true?
√ How can I hope in what is truly glorious?
√ What causes me to value what is pure and holy?
√ What helps me to embrace the beauty of ultimate love?
√ How may I begin to comprehend things which are transcendent?
√ How do I find hope while living in the 1st heaven?
√ What can cause me to fix my eyes and experience 3rd Heaven Hope?
√ How do I process being blessed through the testing of my faith?
√ How would you assess awakening to God and to your true self?
√ What are your thoughts about participating in the defeat of evil?
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1,2
While the things above can feel elusive, they are very real gifts from God Most High!
Dave and Burnadette
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is reputable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” – Philippians 4:8