Word for the day by Christian Education Fory

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Set your mind on things above

Bible Reading:   Colossians 3:1-8

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


DEVOTION

We live in a world that constantly pulls our attention toward status, possessions, appearances, and temporary satisfaction. The loudest voices tell us to look out for ourselves, to chase what is immediate, and to define our worth by what we can achieve or own. But the apostle Paul invites us to live differently. He calls us to lift our gaze and to set our hearts and minds on the things above. This is not escapism. It is a reorientation. It is a reminder that if we have been raised with Christ, our lives no longer revolve around the old patterns of anger, selfishness and impurity. Those things once defined us, yet these no longer have the final say in defining us. When we set our hearts on Christ, we begin to live out of a new identity. Not one that is earned or performed, but one that is already secured in Jesus. Yet we do have to face a reality that letting go of earthly things is not always easy.
There is a tension within us. A continued pull between the old self and the new. We still struggle with selfishness. We still react in anger. We still get caught up in comparison or fall into habits that do not reflect the life of Christ in us. And yet, God does not give up on us. He calls us to put off what is earthly and to put on what is holy. This process is ongoing. Transformation does not happen in an instant. It happens over time, with intention, discipline and through grace. Every time we choose to forgive instead of retaliate, to speak truth instead of lies, to show kindness instead of pride. We are choosing to live from above.
So today, may we lift our eyes. May we become aware of the ways Christ is forming us. May we put to death the habits that keep us earthbound and open our hearts to a life that reflects the glory of the Risen One. Even when the world tells us to build our lives on what we can touch, measure, and count; may we build on something greater. On someone eternal…Christ.

PRAYER

Father in Heaven, help me focus on what truly counts. I admit I cling to temporary things and fall short of your grace. Today, I seek your strength to leave my old ways behind. Lead me by your Spirit to live anew filled with love, humility, and purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Thought for the day

What would it look like to lift our eyes, even just for a little bit, and remember who we belong to?

                                                        
Gina George
St. Johns MTC, Yonkers, NY

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