Discovering YOU Magazine July 2024 Issue | Page 33

SPIRITUALITY AND FAITH

HEAVENLY MINDED!

Article by Pastor Philip Nissley,

New Hope Assembly of God, Taylor, MI

minded?” The Bible indicates…

I.THE SUPER IS NATURAL WHEN WE FOCUS ON HOLY SPIRIT AND HEAVEN!

A.Our focus on eternal things, or “being heavenly minded,” can actually inspire us to live a life that is holy and pleasing to our Heavenly Father. This motivation doesn’t come from fear, but rather from a heart and mind influenced by eternal thoughts. What would seeing into eternity do to us, would it change our priorities?

B.Our focus on eternal things also reminds us that what we do in this life determines our eternal rewards. There’s a difference between eternal life and rewards. You can’t buy a place in heaven--salvation and forgiveness is a gift based on Jesus’ death for your sin!

If you had only two hours left to live your life on earth, and if what you did during those two hours determined your reward in heaven, what would your priorities be, what would you focus on? The Bible is clear we should be ‘Heavenly mind’ and we should think and plan about eternity! Often the time Heaven is significantly on our minds is when someone has passed away. The reality of heaven gives us comfort in such times and hope for our own future as believers. But, God desires that we pursue the things of heaven not only in connection with death but in life as well. Colossians 3:1-2 says “If you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the heavenly things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the heavenly things above, not on the things that are on earth.” In light of what Paul is saying, “Are you heavenly