Proper Perspective

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:2

We all know in our hearts that coveting is a sin. In fact, it's one of the Ten Commandments. Yet, each and every day we see ads for cars that we would prefer to drive, we see big, fancy houses that we would like to live in, we see commercials for products that would make our lives happier.

We are a nation of coveters and advertisers know this. That is why commercials show us how their product can make your life easier, how much happier you will be, how much more you will be respected and admired, and how much of a better person you will be if only you had what they are offering. And we continue to fall for it over and over again.

So, Paul writes to the Colossians, and to us as well, not to set our minds on the things on this earth. Our Father knows our hearts, our desires, and our failings. He is aware that we are weak and want the things of this world, to be a part of this world, to be accepted by this world. He knows that we want to fit in with those around us and to have the same nice things that our neighbors have.

Jesus Christ faced the same temptations and peer pressures that we do today. And so, he reminds us to store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moths or rust destroy, because he also knows that they things of this world are fleeting. They don't last. The happy feelings fade. The things of this world get old, broken down, worn out, rusty and useless.

So, he reminds us to set our minds on things above where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. Do not yearn for the things of this world, but set your sights on something bigger and grander. Instead of investing your money and energies in the things of this world that doesn't last, store up for yourself treasure in heaven. The return on your investment will be more than you could ever imagine.