High Things and Things Above

During these turbulent times, what does GOD expect of us as His followers?

1) We need to firstly prepare ourselves for the more difficult times ahead.

I must strengthen myself in the faith by diligent study and memorization of the Scriptures.

I must acquaint myself with the Holy Spirit and learn to live in submission and obedience to Him.

2) We should constantly purposefully humble ourselves by resetting our mind.

It is easy to get caught up with the 'High Things' of this world, politics, controversies about vaccines and so on. It is a snare of the devil to cause Christians to waste time discussing these issues, get worked up, cause unpleasantness and bring rifts between individuals.

Let us read just enough facts about the current news and not go on to fill our mind with copious opinions of people from the media. Let us then seek the LORD so that His opinion might be made known to us.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6

Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Romans 12:16

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-4

Birds inside can fly as high as the netting of the walk-in aviary. If a bird humbles itself to come down and gets out of the door that is set low, it is free and will fly above the aviary!

Therefore I also, 

after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus 

and your love for all the saints,

 do not cease to give thanks for you, 

making mention of you in my prayers: 

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,

 may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 

the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; 

that you may know what is the hope of His calling, 

what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 

and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, 

according to the working of His mighty power

 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead 

and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 

far above all principality and power and might and dominion, 

and every name that is named, 

not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Ephesians 1:15-21

3) Intercede according to GOD'S heart which will effect changes in situations, and people. 

 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads," says the Lord God.
Ezekiel 22:29-31 

4) We must be willing to let go of things and activities in our life by re-ordering our values and priorities. We must discipline ourselves to set aside more time for personal and corporate prayer.

We should also give time to encourage, support and help those whose faith is being tested through trials such as sickness, persecution and poverty.

 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
1 Peter 4:7

5) Look for and take every opportunity to share the love and Good News of the LORD JESUS with others.