If then 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. Colossians 3:1-3
If there ever was a TC2 scripture this is one of them. There is a saying that the enemy uses to discourage and mock those who are pursuing God with all they have within them and it is this, “Too heavenly minded to be any earthly good.” I too have had that spoken about me. How does that line up with this scripture? When crisis hits with devastating results — where should we look? Do we look to earthly comforts to suave our souls and broken hearts? Or should we turn to the Holy Spirit who literally is our Comforter spiritually?
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— John 14:16 AMP
When things get so hard that your soul weeps — where do you find solace? Who actually is able to understand the depths of your sorrow? Who knows you better than you know yourself? So many ‘religiously’ minded individuals rely on their ‘formulas’ and rituals for comfort. While those practices might help some — they should be used to springboard their minds and hearts to an intimate real conversation with the Holy Spirit – to receive what they actually need in that situation and time.
Traditions and rituals can be very empty exercises it there is no real relationship connection with the Holy Spirit. They just become ‘empty words’ and useless exercises. Some religious denominations have many more rituals and exercises than others, but do they actually have any use? Some would say ‘yes’. But what will really last through the ‘fires of judgment’ at our end?
And when you pray, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Matthew 6:7 AMP
If any person’s work which he has built [on this foundation, that is, any outcome of his effort] remains [and survives this test], he will receive a reward. But if any person’s work is burned up [by the test], he will suffer the loss [of his reward]; yet he himself will be saved, but only as [one who has barely escaped] through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:14-15 AMP
How important are eternal rewards? How long is eternity than our lives here on earth? How exactly do we secure eternal rewards? How do we set our minds on things above?
I propose there is ONLY one way. By personal direction of the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit to you .. specifically. Not because someone else (human being) says that giving, or doing this thing (fill in the action by the preaching professional), at any certain time or place WILL give you eternal rewards. We will be judged for what HE has told us to do .. specifically. Many will silently cower at that last statement, and quickly try to refute and dismiss that statement because of the implications, because they literally have almost zero intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit and really don’t hear His Voice because they want to maintain their own ‘prideful’ view and personal understanding of things. Simply stated … Jesus said “My sheep hear my Voice” (John 10:27).
Learn to turn to the Holy Spirit when things get tough. Learn to listen to His words to you. Learn to ponder His words to you. Learn to engage with Him often in your day and lives.
Time is shorter than you think.