I have a friend who was a police officer in our town. He may have pulled me over a couple of times for speeding. I will not confirm or deny this, but he insists on reminding me that the speed limit signs are not suggestions but commands. My belief system had better change because if I don’t start viewing these signs as commands, I will need a second job.

Unfortunately, we tend to consider the Bible a big book of suggestions. Yet, the Bible is filled with promises, hope, comfort, encouragement, prayers, etc.., and commands. People tend to associate a tone of resistance with the word “command.”  But the Lord’s commands are for our benefit.

Colossians 3:1-2; “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

This verse is a direct command to set our hearts on Heaven. For some, because of their circumstance, Heaven may be a daily thought. However, for many, minds are set on earthly things. Now there is nothing wrong with wanting material things, enjoying the things we have, and accomplishing career goals, but things of the earth cannot be our idols.

C.S. Lewis said, “If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.” Want to leave your mark on Earth? Want to live your life how God intended you to live? Occupy your mind with Heaven.

Are you currently in a trial or a crisis? Meditate on God’s truths about Heaven, and set your hearts and minds on things above. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, he tells us,

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are be renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.”

Lord, engrave your Word on my heart and help me to fix my eyes on You.  Occupy my mind with things above and not earthly things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.