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There are parts of my character that for the longest time I thought would change just because. I thought the longer I was a Christian certain behavior or attitudes would just kind of sink in eventually. That other’s positives would rub off on me.

Colossians 3:1 (NIV) Since, then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Nelson’s Commentary references the Greek verb set emphasizing an ongoing decision. It means that as a Christian I must continually discipline myself to focus on eternal realities instead of the realities of this earth. I chose how to act and can train my thinking. In the past I have made decisions to change certain actions or behavior based on a specific incident. This change was temporary and brought on by worldly sorrow; the kind of sorrow that comes from a place of guilt and hurt but eventually goes away. Recently however, I made a decision to actively pursue change in certain parts of my character that are not glorifying to God. I’ve realized that setting your heart on things above takes a great deal of work.

Take pursuing joy for example. Joy is a result of the triumph of faith over adversity and trying circumstances, which instead of hindering actually enhance my faith.

James 1:2-3(NLT) 2Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. 3For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

12God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

As I left my job recently it took less than a week for me to let fear rattle me into thinking I would never find anything. I know, a bit dramatic, but true. It took some serious time in prayer to shake that feeling. The decision to understand biblical joy, to embrace it and to pursue it despite my circumstances will be a challenge over the next few months. However, if I chose to hold on to God’s promises I know that I will be able to endure even the scary and unknown. As I made this decision God put it to the test.

By the time most of you read this I will be on my way to surgery. When I went into the ears, nose and throat specialist’s office today I figured he would at most prescribe some allergy tests. Instead, I walked out with a surgery date for the following day to fix a deviated septum. The procedure will basically help me to breath better. It is minor, quick, and conducted at the doctor’s office - not even in a hospital. Never the less as someone who has never had any sort of surgery, minor or otherwise it made me nervous. My mind immediately jumped to the worst case scenario and I thought, “What if something does go wrong and I die?” I know, I’m being a drama queen again but hey, you never know routine procedures go wrong every day! One thing did strike me, how quickly my situation and perspective can change. There are people just like me who walk into their doctor’s offices and get much more drastic results or have to undergo much more serious surgery. At the end of the day, the final desired destination remains the same: heaven. Joy comes from experiencing God’s loving kindness and thereby gives a sense of security (Psalm93). In the present and unknown circumstances I must choose whether I will use my circumstances as an opportunity for joy by setting my heart on things above or if I choose to give into my own worldly thinking. When I set my heart on God I see opportunities to glorify him and I see the blessings he is providing despite my circumstances. Ultimately, the decision is mine and whatever it is, it will be obvious to all.

Proverbs 20:11 (NIV) Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure and right.

"Inspiration For You" from Randy Mitchell

Keep Your Dreams to Yourself