By Mary O’Connell, a sophomore social work and American Sign Language major from Milton, Pennsylvania
Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4 (NRSV)
As I read these verses, I ponder the complexity and depth of the meaning woven into the words. In no way am I able to do justice to these verses and capture the writer’s intent and God’s divine meaning. As I sit here and write this devotional, I ask myself, “Why do I feel the need to preface myself? Why do I need to warn people that I may not give them what they want?” Is this humility in me, or is it pride? I want to warn people of my mistakes before they can point them out. And this brings me back to the meaning of the words. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” As humans, we strive to understand, define, figure out and grasp the Word of God, and often times in this process we put God in a box. But there’s something truly beautiful about the limitations of our understanding and the mystery of God. As I read this, I feel like God is gently tapping me on the shoulder, saying, “Hey, look up. Remember who I am? Remember who you are? You don’t have to understand it all. Just learn to trust me.” But what does that mean? What does it mean to set my mind on things above and trust my creator? Learning to do this is an ongoing journey, but my soul finds joy knowing Christ finds value and purpose in who I am. Recognizing this doesn’t make the problems of the world fade away, but it does bring me a sense of peace I can’t explain.
Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4 (NRSV)
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.