Affection Col 3:1-3 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

In Col 3:1-3 Paul tells us to set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth.  We know that we are supposed to set our affection on things above but we live in a world where so many things on the earth demand our attention.  So, the question is how do we set our affection on things above?  We set our affection on things above by:

Living – Col 3:5; Phil 1:21 – Paul said that Christ is our life.  He said, “For to me to live is Christ…”  We are the current possessors of eternal life.  You do not have to wait till you die to begin living it.  You need to start living it now.  And when Christ becomes your life, your affection is going to turn upward where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Furthermore, while you are living, you also need to be mortifying your members which are upon the earth [Col 3:5].

Filling – Jn 16:13-14 – we are to be filled with the Spirit [Eph 5:18].  The more that you are filled with the Spirit the more that you will recognize his leadership in your life as he guides you into all truth.  He is going to turn your affection upward.

Obeying – Jn 14:21 – it is one thing to study and know the scripture.  It is another thing all together to obey what you are reading.  Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only [Jas 1:22].  As you obey the scriptures, your affection for God grows.  Look at the wording of the verse.  “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me…”

Praying – Phil 4:6-7 – praying is more than just reciting your requests before God.  Praying is supplicating before the Lord in thanksgiving until the peace of God keeps your heart and mind.  When the peace that passeth all understanding comes, your care and concern for this world diminishes and your affection for things above increases.

Serving – Matt 6:24; Eph 6:5-8 – start serving Christ in your local church and in your job.  As you do, your love for other things will diminish and your love for God will increase because you will only have one master, whom you will love.

Giving – Matt 6:19-21 – it is true that where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  Therefore, give until these verses become true in your life.  I can assure you that this level of giving will measurably exceed your tithe.  The more you give to the Lord the more your affection will be set on things above.  God loveth a cheerful giver.

Looking – Titus 2:13 – there is nothing like looking up in anticipation of the Lord’s return to get your affection on things above.  Most people won’t be looking for the Lord when he comes because they are lovers of their own selves and they are lovers of pleasures [2 Tim 3:1-4].   If you will get your mind off yourself and off of your pleasures, you will find that you will love God more than you ever loved your pleasures.

Conclusion: you can follow these simple steps in your life and your love for God will certainly grow.