Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
It is one thing to get ourselves spiritually ready, but we must also stay ready. In order to accomplish that we must set or fix our minds on things above. Our focus must be true. We must not waver when things get difficult, or we face opposition. There must be a clear delineation between what is important and what is trivial.
Remember, early on, all ten virgins were ready. But when the bridegroom was delayed, the five foolish virgins found themselves on the outside because their attention was not fixed on what was important. Subsequent to our salvation, we must continue to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and control us. Paul put it this way:
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:5–6 (NLT)
When we set our minds on things above, we are yielding the decision-making to the control of the Holy Spirit. The Bible gives us examples of those who started out well but finished poorly. When we are not set, our initial readiness can fade away. I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. Galatians 1:6–7 (NLT)
What must we do to remain ready?
We Will Be Tested
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. 1 Peter 5:8–9 (NLT)
For far too long, it has been popular in Western Christianity to put the emphasis on getting ready, with little thought to the question “are we set?” “Come to Jesus and all your problems will be over, and you can live your best life!” This is not the message of the gospel.
The Bible contains many warnings to stay alert. We must recognize that we face an enemy who is hell-bent on our destruction. Peter cries out for us to stand firm against our great enemy, the devil. Previously, Peter had advised them not to think that something strange was happening to them.
Never once do the writers of the New Testament give a hint that the Christian life will be an easy one. Quite the opposite: Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT). The best way to withstand persecution is to have our hearts and minds firmly set on things above.
We must not be lulled to sleep when things are going well. Yesterday’s readiness is not good enough for today. A well-prepared army trains during peacetime. We must not be fooled when things are going our way. We are soldiers of Jesus Christ and maintain a high level of readiness. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3 (NLT). There will be a test.
Secure in the Storm
Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Ephesians 4:14 (NLT)
Paul’s words to the Ephesians summarize the goal of unity in the fivefold ministry to prepare God’s people for the work that he calls us to do. In order to be ready to withstand the ill winds which will inevitably blow in our direction our roots must grow deep. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7 (NLT)
Over the years, we have planted a number of trees in our yard. Trees and people are vulnerable until they are established. When something is established, it is confirmed, and it is strong. Once again it takes time for the roots to grow deep.
Your spiritual roots go deeply into his life as you are continually infused with strength, encouraged in every way. For you are established in the faith you have absorbed and enriched by your devotion to him! Colossians 2:7 (TPT)
In Psalm one, we learned that it is those who do not take their advice from the wicked, or have close fellowship with ungodly people, who thrive. Those who take pleasure in the Lord and in his word are established like trees along the riverbank. We can be ready, but until we are set and established, we remain vulnerable.
Ready, Set…
But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it. Colossians 1:23 (NLT)
In the parable of the sower, Jesus confirmed the principle that good conditions are necessary to thrive. It is not enough to receive the Word with joy, only to wither when the pressure comes.
Like the word “established,” the word “continue” has great importance in our discipleship. Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:36 (NLT)
We can be ready, and even eager, to start, but we must endure and continue in our faith. Our minds must be set on the things above, not on the things below. We ask ourselves and others, “Are you set?”
Steve Ekeroth