What Are We Seeking?

The Bible makes it clear that there are two different types of life that a man can choose to live.  One is a righteous life that is demonstrated by living in obedience to God’s Word.  The other is a wicked life that is lived in rejection of God’s Word.  Each person must choose his own path.  God will not force either decision upon man.

Assuming that most readers of this article will want to live a life of righteousness, let us notice something that will help us to continue on that path.  Paul wrote, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:1-2).  Application of these verses will help a man keep his focus on what is more important.

Worldly things are just temporary.  They can be taken from us at any moment.  Spiritual things endure.  If we are faithful, then no man can steal them from us (Rev. 2:10; 1 John 1:6-10).  Jesus taught, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:  For where you treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:19-21).

How many people go through their daily lives fretting about the physical things of this world?  Much time and attention is drawn away from seeking those things which are above because too much time is given to worrying about things down here.  Our Lord warned about living in such a way.  He said, “Therefore take no thought saying, What shall we eat?  or, What shall we drink?  or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”  (Matt. 6:31).  Instead He said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33).  By seeking the spiritual things first, the other things fall into place.  Sadly though, many live their lives in the opposite way.

By writing to Christians in the first century, John tried to get them to understand the importance of seeking spiritual things above worldly things.  He wrote, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away and the lust thereof:  but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:15-17).

Jesus asked, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul” (Matt. 16:26)?  Paul explained, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  For the love of money is the root of all evil:  which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:6-10).

So, what are we seeking?  Is the present world, and all that it offers, more important to us than Heaven?  Would we be willing to let go of things of this world to be pleasing to God (Luke 18:18-27; Matt. 10:34-37)?  Just think about what it will be like to be with God.  Then, think about being with all of the faithful of every dispensation.  It will be wonderful.  No physical/worldly thing is worth missing that!
~ Corey Barnette