Earthly Things

Do not set your mind on earthly things.

What are earthly things? These are things that pull us away from an eternal mindset. For example, fashion. This is one thing many women especially have a hard time steering away from. "What will i wear?" is not something Jesus wants us to be consumed with, so if you care about what He thinks, then it's very simple: it doesn't matter what you wear (as long as it's modest). He summed it up Himself: "Is not the body more important than clothes?...Why do you worry about clothes?" (Matthew 6:25-28) I'm not speaking from a holier than thou point of view; i am speaking as one who has to remind myself often not to care too much about what i wear. I like clothes that are unique, and even though i do not spend a lot of money on clothes, i still put thought and effort into it. It's not about how much money you're spending on it, but how much thought space you are giving over to it. If you are like me, you will have to deliberately fight this earthly thing!

Same thing goes for hair style. I love to style my hair in different ways--it's fun! But if i spend too much time on this sort of thing, or if i get sucked in to searching for hair styles i like, then it can so easily pull me away from an eternal mindset. I can get wrapped up in myself, especially on "bad hair days," and that is where i do NOT want to be! I want to be wrapped up in the things of God!

Another example would be an unhealthy overindulgence in food. Eating does not have to be earthly. It is intended by God to be a source for thanking and praising Him. We know food is good and from Him and given as a wonderful gift. However, we live in an age where people are obsessed with the question, "What are we going to eat?" (see Matt: 6:25-34). If you want to be heavenly minded, then get your mind off of food for a while. Make eating simple as much as it is up to you. (But don't use that as an exuse to slack off in cooking nutritious meals for your family:).

Another earthly thing is what some call "the pride of life." Caring too much about what others think of you, how successful you are, how good-looking or funny or wealthy, etc. is sinful! We should want others to think well of us in terms of being like Jesus, doing what is right, and living a holy life. But that is not so that they will admire us; it is to point them to Jesus in us. If we want to be admired by men, we are in a very bad place spiritually and should seek God to help us out of that pit. I am so amazed at how many Christians seem to admire celebrities, as though life is only about here and now, money, fame, fortune, recognition. These are not the things God esteems; these are things esteemed by man. Steer clear of these things, my friends! If you are going to spend any time at all thinking about the rich and famous, turn it into a prayer for them because it is much harder for them to sense their deep need of a Savior.

Let's be consumed with knowing and doing the will of God in these short days we have to bring Him glory. Amen!