Things Above
God placed the word “earthbound” in my thoughts this morning. It’s a word I haven’t thought about in a while. It is meant to describe something that is mundane, unimaginative, and bound by earthly interests, In other words, it means boring.
Why would God say that word? I’m reminded that we are spiritual beings having an earthly experience. We are not earthly beings having an occasional spiritual experience. We were created as eternal beings to have intimate friendship with the Creator. As our Friend, He longs to tell us secrets concerning Himself, His nature, and His perfect character.
As He continues to work on my mindset, He’s reminding me of this truth: “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking 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) He desires that our mindset be one of excited anticipation for each day, each year, and into eternity.
He did not create us to get caught up in petty arguments and futile activities. In fact, synonyms for “earthbound” include the words “carnal” and “material.” Doesn’t the Word of God call those the things of the flesh? Paul writes: “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:5-6)
These past two Sundays, God has shown me that He’s shifting the season for us. He’s equipping us in a greater way to hear His leading and to make further progress in our spiritual lives. I believe He’s beginning a season of His presence in a powerful way. It is an opportunity for us to seek Him and find Him, just as He has promised. His favor is on us to know Him in a greater way.
Moses, as a friend of God, asked for more of God’s presence and received it. “Then Moses said to Him, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.” Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!” And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.” But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!” Then the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen.” (Exodus 33:15,18-23)
Moses had no desire to remain earthbound in his thinking. He asks to see God’s glory and God answers his request! How much more, in the power of the risen Christ, can we set our minds on things above and see God’s glory! He’s got exciting and glorious “now” for you as well as a glorious and exciting eternity. He’s merely waiting for us to seek Him and to ask. His favor is upon us.