God has given us instructions to seek the “Things Above”. This is the basis for helping us experience peace in this fallen world. As believers we need to keep our focus on God.
It is important to reflect on the wonderful gift of salvation and all the blessings that came with it. God poured out His love for us at Calvary. Here Christ made the ultimate sacrifice. His death and resurrection is good news to a dead and dying world. God is offering salvation to undeserving sinners by Jesus Christs accomplishments on the cross.
Things Above
To truly appreciate our gift, Scripture teaches us to put our focus on “those things above” instead of “things on earth”. As believers, it is good to reflect on this gift from God and remember some of the things that became true of us the moment we believed.
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:1–2 NKJV)
The benefits of doing this will remind us of our blessings. From it we can draw hope and strength. It is a great source of help when we feel entangled with this earth. When you are feeling down it is good to remember we are risen with Christ. Instead of dwelling on earthly concerns make Christ and God’s Word the object of your mind. This will full you with purpose and the proper attitude to serve Christ. Our time on earth is but for a moment so it is important to live our life with an eternal frame of mind.
If we don’t focus on “things above”, it is easy to get distracted with problems here on earth. Earthly issues can sap our energy, make us lose focus on God, fill us with anger, leave us depressed and feel like nothing we do matters.
Things We are Thankful for
Below is a starting point on some of the things we have to be thankful for as members of the body of Christ.
| Gift of Eternal Life | “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NKJV) |
| Redemption and Forgiveness of Sins | “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7 NKJV) |
| Justified by His Blood | “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (Romans 5:9 NKJV) |
| Reconciled to God | “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” (Romans 5:10 NKJV) |
| Brought Near by the Blood of Christ | “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13 NKJV) |
| Become the Righteousness of God in Him | “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV) |
| Blessed us with Every Spiritual Blessing in the Heavenly Places in Christ | “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” (Ephesians 1:3 NKJV) |
| Obtained an inheritance | “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,” (Ephesians 1:11 NKJV) |
| Joint Heirs with Christ | “and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:17 NKJV) |
| Sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise | “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” (Ephesians 1:13 NKJV) |
Peace of God
By reflecting on this list it should leave you with a thankful heart and help you be a shinning light for Christ in this world. As you go through this hectic world with its tribulations and sufferings, you will have the benefit of knowing that you are secure in Christ and have access to the peace of God.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8–9 NKJV)