Colossians 3:1-4
Therefore, because you were raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Applying God’s Word for our lives today: There’s no denying we can get busy with all our commitments. Do you ever wish they could clone you so you could finish everything? Answer the phone, clean the house, take the car to the shop, pick someone up from school, take someone to dance lessons, find your phone, look for your keys, walk the dog—all before breakfast. Then you realize you missed an important appointment the day before. Life can distract us, making everything seem equally important. Do you ever wish for a vacation?
With all your busyness, it’s easy to forget about what matters most. Remember, this life is temporary; it will end someday. When it does, where do you want to spend eternity? While the challenges of this world can distract us from our primary focus—our salvation—we must prioritize that. It may sound like a long list, but it’s actually simple and based on what Jesus taught—repentance for the forgiveness of sin and feeding our faith.
Understand that faith is not something we do, but something that is instilled in us, while believing and trusting are results of faith. Neglecting our faith can cause us to lose it. Furthermore, through faith, we are hidden in Christ by His death and resurrection. Paul tells us that in our baptisms, we died and rose with Christ. Our sins were put to death with Jesus. The most important task we can undertake in this life is to nurture our faith through God’s Word and sacraments. A helpful practice is to start your day by hearing or reading God’s Word, and then your other tasks will fall into place. You were raised with Christ, so when this life ends, through faith in Jesus, you will be with God forever into eternity.
Dear Lord,
Forgive us when our minds drift to the worries and busyness of our lives. Strengthen our faith through Your Word so that we focus on what is most important: being with You for eternity. Today and tomorrow will each come to an end, but our home with You in heaven will never be over. We ask that Your will be accomplished in us, and hide us in You so that we may be with You forever. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
While Jesus has forgiven us all our sins, it is faith that guides us in recognizing and confessing them. God loves you and you are important to Him, which is why He sent His Son to suffer and die on the cross. His desire is for you to be with Him for eternity.