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Scripture for the day: Colossians 3:1-3 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.  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Thought for the day: A pretty young lady walked by me the other day.  I took note that a pretty young lady walked by.  That seemed quite strange to me for there was a time when my mind would have compelled me to venture a second, third or even fourth look.  Am I getting that old, I wondered, that these things no longer have an attraction?
     I drove down the street where I live and within a few miles beheld a magnificent old automobile sitting beside the road for sale.  The sign told me it is a 1937 something-or-other (I don't seem to be able to remember the make and/or model).  The car needs work but could be restored to the fine-looking piece of machinery it once was.  Suddenly I realized my mind had gone back to the purpose of my errands and the automobile was gone from my thoughts.  What had happened to the life-long desire to buy and restore some old car like that one?  Had I gotten so settled in my ways that my dreams had died?
     On the television I saw a film that showed the outback of Australia.  The vast deserts, the exotic creatures, the hearty self-sufficiency of the inhabitants, and the beautiful simplicity of the Aborigines was magnificently displayed through the camera's lens.  The images were impressive enough to take one's breath away.  Then I turned off the TV at the end of the show and went back to what I'd been doing beforehand.  Suddenly I realized I'd not been dreaming of visiting those places in Australia, one of the countries I've always found enchanting and have always wanted to explore.  Am I getting so root-bound here in the Northeastern United States that a once healthy wanderlust has died?
     Then suddenly the Lord helped me see what was going on - I'm dead.  Now, I know that sounds funny to many but let me explain.  Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me."  Then later he explained to these Colossians what that statement means.  Simply put, the things that once would have upset me, enraged me, excited me, or sparked a flame of lust within me no longer have that hold on my emotions.  Why?  Because I've been crucified with Christ and have "reckoned [myself] dead to sin and alive to Christ."  A dead person isn't dismayed by foul weather.  A dead person isn't overtaken by a tempting sight.  A dead person doesn't care whether praise is heaped upon him or he is ridiculed for his faith.  A dead person isn't concerned with how others think she looks or whether they respect her or not.
     Paul says that if we're truly dead to the things of the world we will no longer be captivated by the things of the world, nor will we be adversely affected by them.  Why?  Because our focus is on the Savior and since the Savior is seated at the right hand of God, our focus is on the things of heaven.  If that's our focus then the transitory things of this world are meaningless in comparison.  That doesn't mean we don't care or that we're not concerned for others or for the state of our society.  It simply means that no matter who's in office in Washington (or any other capital for that matter), no matter the health of the economy, no matter the condition of the hearts of those around us, our eyes are fixed on Jesus and none of these things can Satan use to defeat us.
Now go take on your world.  -  Bill