Photo by Nasa
I’m reading, “The
100 Most Encouraging Verses in the Bible,” by Troy Schmidt.
Chapter 84
begins with the verse:
“Set your mind on things that are above, not on things
that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2
This is a
timely verse. I am 67 years old, and I don’t remember the world ever being in
such a mess as it is now. I lived through the time of Vietnam War when there
were protests and marches. I lived through all the race riots and the
assassinations of my heroes. I’ve seen the towers fall and wars in the Middle
East, yet the world is far worse now, in my opinion.
My mother lived
through the time of World War II. She said she would have nightmares about
armies of Germans coming towards her town. But I don’t think it was as bad as
now. Back then there was a good side and a bad side. The good nations stuck together
and won the war. The sides aren’t so clear now.
I see hatred
everywhere. Hatred towards an opposite political party. Hatred towards those
who voted a certain way. Hatred between races. Hatred between religions. Hatred
towards Gay people. Hatred towards immigrants.
Of course
there is love in the world too, but it isn’t the driving force behind the
nations. So, I thought I’d reprint here what Troy Schmidt wrote about the Bible
verse.
“It’s easy
to be frustrated by this world. It’s what we see. It presents itself to us all
the time on the news, on social media posts and in conversation. What we
constantly see influences our mood. We are bombarded with the world.
Don’t focus
on the earthly; look to the heavenly. Something terrible happens here on earth;
look to heaven for the wonderful. Confused on earth…look to heaven for clarity.
Hopeless here…look up there. Bad news…see the good news.
This world
is discouraging, but you don’t have to fix your mind on it. You can choose
where your attention ultimately will dwell. Set your mind on God in heaven. The
view is much better from there.”
