SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE

SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE

Here are some tips on the subject of aviation:

*    Takeoffs are optional. Landings are mandatory.
*    If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger. If you pull the stick back they get smaller
     (unless you keep pulling the stick back -- then they get bigger again).
*     Flying is not dangerous; crashing is dangerous.
*    The propeller is just a big fan in the front of the plane to keep the pilot cool. Want proof? Make it  
      stop; then watch the pilot break out into a sweat.
*    It's best to keep the pointed end going forward as much as possible.
*    Everyone already knows the definition of a "good landing" is one from which you can walk away. But
     very few know the definition of a "great landing." It's one after which you can use the airplane again. *     There are three simple rules for making a smooth landing: Unfortunately, no one knows what they
      are.
*    Try to keep the number of your landings equal to the number of your takeoffs.
*     Gravity never loses! The best you can hope for is a draw.
*    It's better to be down here wishing you were up there, than up there wishing you were down here.

Several of these tips lend themselves to spiritual application, but the one that jumped out at me was that last one. How much better it is to be on this earth with a mind set on "things above", than to be anywhere with a mind set on "things below"!

    "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)
Because we are surrounded by a world which we can see, it is easy to keep our eyes focused solely on that world. We will never grow as Christians, though, until we set our sights higher. Wherever your mind has been this morning, may this serve as a gentle reminder to set it on "things above".

Have a great day!
…..Alan Smith, Cruciform Church of Christ, Spring Lake, North Carolina (www.cruciformcoc.com) by way of “Christian Voices” (christianvoices@att.net)