Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:1-17 

It’s so easy for us to get caught up in the here and now. If you and I are not intentional about  living our lives in light of eternity, understand that this world has more than enough things in it  to rule our attention, our calendars, and perhaps most importantly, our hearts. What do I  mean? Perhaps it’s a mortgage, a career, a retirement plan, or even a family—all the things  that loom so large and seem so pressing on our lives. And don’t get me wrong, these aren’t  necessarily bad things or unimportant things, but at the end of the day, they’re still the things  of this world. And God wants you to know today that if your faith and identity is in Christ, God  has called your life to be about so much more than this world. 

The truth is, more than wanting you to be happy or fulfilled by this temporary life, God’s  primary desire for you is that you’d become more like his perfect son. What God cares about  most, and what he’s working at the hardest is your sanctification—the term theologians use  for a Christian’s growth and transformation into Christ-likeness. Everything else in life is  secondary; everything else is dispensable to God. Yet, it’s not that God overlooks or doesn’t  care about the things going on in our lives; but as we grow in his grace, the fruit of what he’s doing to make us more like Jesus is seen in us being more invested in eternity than in this  world.  

Even still, hear this good news today: God is eager to provide you with all the grace  you need, not only for your sanctification, but also for your daily needs. In every situation,  place, and relationship of your life, God’s grace is at work to sustain you and to carry you  along in his plans for you. Set your heart and mind on this God of grace today, and allow his  peace and wisdom to rule and reign over your life.