I have been spending a little time each day memorizing Scripture. Right now I'm committed to memorizing Colossians 3:1-14 (see previous post). It's a great section of Scripture. Currently I have memorized the first three verses. The exercise is beneficial on two levels. First, its a good exercise for your brain to memorize anything (brain food). Second, it helps to do what Psalm 119:11 says, it writes Scripture onto your heart.
Actually there is one more benefit - it forces you to read the Scripture more closely. As you do this, you begin to apply it to your life in ways you never have before or ask questions you never have before.
In the first three verses Paul emphasizes that those who have been hidden in Christ (followers of Christ or little Christs) should be thinking about "things above and not on earthly things." At first glance this seems like an easy thing to do. The problem with this is exactly that: we only glance at it and think we know what to do . . . or what not to do. What does Paul mean here? Are we to turn a blind eye to the world around us and walk around with our head in the spiritual clouds; what does it actually look like to focus on things above?
Actually there is one more benefit - it forces you to read the Scripture more closely. As you do this, you begin to apply it to your life in ways you never have before or ask questions you never have before.
In the first three verses Paul emphasizes that those who have been hidden in Christ (followers of Christ or little Christs) should be thinking about "things above and not on earthly things." At first glance this seems like an easy thing to do. The problem with this is exactly that: we only glance at it and think we know what to do . . . or what not to do. What does Paul mean here? Are we to turn a blind eye to the world around us and walk around with our head in the spiritual clouds; what does it actually look like to focus on things above?
So, confession time . . . I struggle with this a lot. I'm wrestling a lot with the idea. As one who is prone to anxiety I spend a lot of time thinking about "things of this world: " how the church is doing, how my marriage is doing, will I have enough money for the kid's college, how the heck am I gonna pay for TWO weddings, when will my student loans be paid," etc. As I focus on these things I am crowding out the space that I need to be giving to God and the work that I can do for the Kingdom or what the Kingdom might do in me. I struggle with the idea that the Kingdom comes to fruition with me and my actions in everyday life - earthy stuff vs. heavenly stuff.
I know this challenge is tied with Jesus' words in Matthew - seek the Kingdom and the rest will be added to you. As we focus on the Kingdom stuff our heart is guided by the Holy Spirit and the earthly stuff will be headed up by it. We then can do what we can do and leave the rest up to God; not irresponsibility, but letting go when we know it's time.
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