Living in the Spirit

July 28, 2022

Scripture Reading:

Colossians 3:1-11

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. –Colossian 3:1-4

We are called to seek higher ground. What does that mean? When Jesus sat on the mountain overlooking Jerusalem, he saw a broad vision of what was happening and understood that the way people lived was out of sync with God’s plans for the world God had created. Jesus knew that realigning with God was the only way God’s great Kingdom, God’s beloved community could ever be realized.

‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! (Matthew 23:37)

Jesus eventually gave his life to align God’s children with God.

I wonder what he sees looking over the breadth and depth of our world today. What do we see when taking in the whole picture? Do we need to examine ourselves first and discover the things in our lives we need to change to bring ourselves into sync with God? As we work toward wholeness, do we also need to work harder at finding oneness with all God’s people and our understanding that all people are God’s? Will God’s justice become real in our world if we become real to God?

Prayer: Lord, show us the view from your higher ground and help us discern how to change our lives to be better aligned with you and with all your children. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.