Focus on What is Important!

The competitor who can concentrate through all the distractions and remain focused on the target is usually the one who wins.

When I was a child (many, many years ago), television was very predictable. ABC, CBS and NBC competed each fall for the most popular shows. Public television was there, but it did not seem to be in the competition! Basically you had a choice between news programming, situation comedies, game shows, dramas or variety shows. To be honest, they were all pretty much the same.

Then came cable television with its superstations and cable networks. Everything changed! Today, instead of four channels we have 400 and more channels and still I often think there is nothing on! The variety of offerings, however is really remarkable. Think about all the shows that are needed to continuously fill those many, many channels.

The History Channel is currently running a game show like nothing we have ever had before. It is called Top Shot and it is a shooting competition where 16 marksmen compete in history-inspired challenges for the title “top shot” and a $100,000 prize. With weapons that range from bow and arrow to sub-machine guns, the contestants must make difficult shots in a variety of environments, which are filled with physical challenges and multiple distractions. The competitor who can concentrate through all the distractions and remain focused on the target is usually the one who wins. But staying focused in a world full of tempting distractions is very difficult indeed.

At least, that is what the Apostle Paul said in today’s scripture lesson. As we continue to look at the letter to Colosse today we examine Chapter 3:1-4.

COL 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (NIV)

May the Lord add his blessing to the reading of the Word.

Paul began chapter 3 of the letter by reminding the Colossian Christians that Jesus died and was raised again for them. He made two important points just before today’s passage. First, he established the supremacy of Christ; who was fully God and above every authority. Second, he pointed out that the Jewish ceremonial law which had indicted people for so long finished with Christ’s death on the cross. Believers had forgiveness because of the resurrection of Jesus. With these two foundations laid, Paul defeated the arguments of those who were trying to steal away the faith of the Colossians.

In a very brief four verses, Paul here established the fundamental principle of the Christian life. He told them that they were united with Christ. Their faith in Jesus meant that they had died with him and been restored with him as well. How would that have been possible? They had never even met Jesus. Most were probably small children during Jesus’ lifetime!

They recognized (and we recognize) the absurdity of trying to assign “literal” truth to this statement! But there is truth here that goes well beyond a literally impossible statement. Paul told them that they had been “raised with Christ.” They had a new life that was more “real” than anything the physical world could offer. How should they use that new found life? Would they spend their new lives as they had their old ones?

He had just told them that it was useless to count on the old rules and regulations. The law laid out the punishment but it would not keep them from immorality, lust, evil desires and greed. The law could not combat selfishness! How should they use their new lives? Were they to remain focused on the old life?

Of course not! Paul told them that since Jesus had given them new life, they should use it in a new way. Focus yourself on “things above,” he told them. “Earthly things” were a waste of time for people who belonged above. At the end of all things, at the return of Jesus, their “non-illusory” lives would appear with him.

What does it mean to “set your minds on things above?” This phrase, “set your mind on” literally means to “think on” something. Since Jesus has given you a new life in him, you should “think on” heavenly things. We have all heard the old truism that says that someone is “so heavenly minded they are no earthly good.” This is, of course, not what Paul is recommending. He certainly does not want Christians to simply sit around and think about eternal life with Christ, no matter how wonderful that will be.

In the verses that follow this section, Paul outlines how Christians should live “heavenly focused” lives here on earth. Your eternal life began when you believed that Jesus is your savior. So, the appropriate way to spend the earthly portion of that eternal life is to live in ways that would be pleasing to him! Be engaged in this world but focused your life in Christ!

Paul told these readers and he is telling you that you know full well what things around you belong to the world: anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language and lies. Like the sharp-shooters on Top Shot, we are expected to maintain our focus through the distraction of these worldly things. But how can we focus with such distraction?

A focused Christian life does not ignore the hurting world! Your Christian life begins here in this fellowship but it also extends to those you meet every day. How will you engage them?

COL 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.