Set Your Affections on Things Above

In my frequent reading of Christian books I often read that I should be advancing the Kingdom of God on earth. Somehow I need to work in my own life or community to bring God's Kingdom; it is my (or our) responsibility. Exhortations are made to do more good works, live like Jesus, sin less or stop sinning (as if that is even possible), and other such ideas. While I certainly agree that living like or following the ways of Jesus during his earthly ministry are very worthwhile and profitable, I wonder if it is really our responsibility to bring any kingdom down from heaven. 


One confusing idea is that most Christians can't wait until they are "in heaven" yet many still speak with such joy over bringing the kingdom to earth. Is there really a difference? Will heaven and earth kind of meld together? Or are Christians just so impatient that they have to insist the Kingdom be here now since they have to wait for heaven.


How do we bring the Kingdom of  God to earth? Can we even do this? It seems the idea is that by making the world a better place where everyone gets along, there is no war, the earth is cared for, the starving are fed, slavery is eliminated completely, and a host of other qualifications, that God will be coaxed into bringing the Kingdom to us. It is even how many pray and numerous modern day Christian songs have such lyrics. Bring your Kingdom!


There are many scriptures which show this is not what is expected of the Christian today. I would like to call out just a few. Now, this is not to say that we should not live Christ-like lives or feed the hungry and end slavery! We should be doing these things and more! However, I believe we do these things for a different reason. 


The apostle of our day is Paul. He is the apostle to the nations which were those outside of Israel. In fact, today, there is no biblical Israel. I know that will upset many, but it is true. There will be a biblical Israel again, just not now. So, the twelve apostles were sent to the ends of the world for who? Not the nations, but to the lost house of Israel. While many Jews lived in the Roman province of Israel, many lived among the nations and that is where the twelve were to go and minister. Paul was sent to the gentiles, or nations. It is for this reason that I do much of my reading and study from Paul's writings. 


Colossians 3:1-3 (NET BIBLE)
(1)  Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
(2)  Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth,
(3)  for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians is a Pauline epistle, a letter, which he wrote to the believers in Colosse. The passage above is a familiar one to many believers. It's message is simple, focus on heavenly things, where Christ is. If we are not sure what those things are, Paul gives us some ideas over the next few verses. Mainly, I believe, if we just focus on Christ alone, the rest will follow. Mostly, I want to draw attention to the place were we are to set our affections, or seek the things of, this being "above" or "at the right hand of God". Many will call this place heaven which it is, but also is not (that's just a thought for you to dwell on!).


Colossians 3:11 (NET)
(11)  Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all.

Notice chapter 3 and verse 11. Paul says that in the "here" there is not a difference between several groups of people. In Paul's day there was a big difference between them!  Where is "here"? Is it on earth? I do not believe so! Remember where we are seeking things? Above, where Christ is. That is the "here" or in some translations, the "where". In Christ there is no division or separation of individuals due to nationality or status of freedom. There are just people that are believers, people that are part of the body of Christ. There is no call in these scriptures to bring down the things above and apply them to earth. There is a call for us to seek them and apply them to our lives.

But Dan, we are living on earth! Yes, you are. But...where are you suppose to be living? Spiritually? 


Ephesians 1:3 (NET)
(3)  Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ.

That is a great passage! Notice where our blessings are? In the "above", the "heavenly realms". Honestly, I do not look for God given blessings of the physical or earthly nature because I do not believe God is providing these today. The next passage really says a lot about us, the body of Christ!

Ephesians 2:4-7 (NET)
(4)  But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us,
(5)  even though we were dead in transgressions, made us alive together with Christ -- by grace you are saved! --
(6)  and he raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
(7)  to demonstrate in the coming ages the surpassing wealth of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Notice verse 6, we are seated with Christ in the "above", in fact this is in the far above, the above of the heavens. I like to think of this place as the end of creation. That's how far above! This is where I am, spiritually, today. It is where I am to walk, talk, do, and seek. Notice Paul says there is a purpose for us as well; for God to demonstrate His Grace in Christ towards us. I have no desire to "bring God's Kingdom here", to earth. God has a special purpose for His Son's body! That is where I desire to be. 


There will be a Kingdom on this earth someday, and I won't be a part of it either. I may have some work to do in it, but it will not be mine. 


2 Timothy 2:15 (NRSV)
(15)  Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.

God is Blessing You!