The More Earth-Centered, The More Stressful Life Becomes.

The More Christ-Centered, Life Becomes Peaceful and Joyful.

“You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth.”  (Colossians 3:1-2).

Infants and little kids do not have stress over life. As we get mature and older, stress becomes part of our life. In early ages and life, we do not think much about earthly things. Small kids trust in parents and know mom and dad would provide for all their needs.

When we become older our attention centers around earthly things – the things of now and tomorrow. The more earth-centered, the more stressed our lives become. We want to be like other seemingly fortunate and wealthy people. We begin to run after this earth and what it can offer. In prophet Jeremiah’s words, we somehow forsake the spring of living water and start digging our own cisterns- broken cisterns that cannot hold water. (Jeremiah 2:13).

The Bible says in our daily insight, “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 mind on things above, not on earthly things. Jesus taught the same principle and it is recorded in Matthew 6:32 the earthly things- things of now and worries about tomorrow- are the passions of the pagans. He said, “For the pagans eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

In essence, let the heaven where God and Jesus dwell fill your daily thoughts. Forsake worrying times about things down here on this planet earth. Ultimately, you do not belong to the earth. You belong to God, Jesus Christ, and heaven. Bible says you are the citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20). Therefore, you do the first things first. What is the first thing? Seek God and His revealed plans for your life. “Set your heart on the rich treasures and joys of heaven where Jesus sits beside God in the place of honor and power.” TLB. You place your mind and thought about what Jesus taught about His kingdom and righteousness. All the earthly things you need here now would be given to you by His sovereign hand. God promised it. He is 100 percent faithful in delivering the promises.

I always say this to my children. After you wake up in the morning wash your face and clean your mouth and teeth, take the Bible, read, and meditate from it for some time. Then kneel and give thanks to God for the day He gave to you. Worship and honor Him first thing in the morning. Then pray to take care of your needs –school, studies, and other duties. Pray to protect you from temptations and deliver you from the evil one. Pray to reveal his best plan for your life. Say you want to obey Him. When you do it, you honor God and seek His kingdom and righteousness.

Beloved, you can set your minds on things above not just in the morning but all through the day as well. When you drive think of Jesus as seated at the right hand of God. Think about his promises and in it. When you walk on the streets or roads talk to him in prayer. At your work, sing in your heart to the Lord, if possible. You can sing in your heart and praise him even in silence. When you come back home, thank and praise him for the quiet and beautiful evening. Thank God for helping you all day. Sing Christ-honoring hymns and songs with your spouse and children, read the Bible, talk about it, thank and pray and go to bed.

Our insight today asks us to develop a God and Christ-centered daily life. At the outset of this new year, why don’t you develop a God and Christ-centered daily routine? That is an admirable goal for your life.

The More Earth-Centered, The More Stressful Life Becomes; The More Christ-Centered, The More Peaceful and Joyful Life Becomes.

Then see how God is going to meet all your needs and desires according to His richness in glory in Jesus Christ. Jesus promised if you do so, you would end up stopping worrying about tomorrow. “God will take care of your tomorrow. Just live one day at a time.” (Matthew 6:34) TLB.

Beloved, for a God-centered life, first of all, you need His Son and our savior, Jesus Christ. May today be a day that you come to God in prayer and claim the forgiveness and new life available in Christ Jesus.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, help me set my heart on things above where my savior Jesus Christ sit on your right side. I believe Jesus Christ died and rose again for my sins. I accept Jesus as my savior. Please forgive me and grant me the new life available in Jesus Christ. May I think about you and meditate on your promises all through the day. Help me to develop a God and Christ-centered daily lifestyle this year. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen. “