SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1378

“A Better Desire”

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. – Hebrews 11:16

Desire is a powerful emotion and driving force. For the carnally minded, it steeps them in sin whereas the heavenly minded are driven into a close relationship and fellowship with Jesus.

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace; For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. – Romans 8:6; 1 John 2:16-17

Heavenly Minded: Focus – Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2

The phrase “So heavenly minded that they are no earthly good” is attributed to Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. This phrase was popularized in Johnny Cash’s song “No Earthly Good.” This phrase is being misapplied to the extent of compromising our walk with Jesus in order to better fit in the world. Such compromise makes us ‘Chameleon Christians.’

The ‘heavenly minded’ referenced in this phrase applies to the hypocritical Christians in name only. It applies to those who wear their religion as a cloak or symbol and lack a personal relationship with Jesus. These are those to whom Jesus spoke ‘Woe’ when He chastised the religious leaders of His day. These are those who will hear Him say ‘Get away from Me, I never knew you’ on the last day.

Rather, we must live in this world with an intensely heavenly minded focus in order to be earthly good. We must have the mind of Christ who is an excellent example of being heavenly focused while doing good here on earth.

But we have the mind of Christ; For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily and you have been filled in him. – 1 Corinthians 2:16; Colossians 2:9-10

Heavenly Minded: Desires – Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. – Psalm 37:4

Like the people of faith from our reference Scripture, we desire a better place – our heavenly home with the Lord.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:20

When we love the Lord with our whole heart, mind, and soul, His desires become our desires and as Ambassadors of Heaven we actively serve Jesus in this world without compromise.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves; Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. – James 1:22; James 1:27

Heavenly Minded: The Great Commission – As salt and light in this world, our heavenly minded lifestyle, in the world, but not of it, should proclaim the Gospel Message of Jesus.

Jesus came and said to them…Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you… – Matthew 28:18-20

Heavenly Minded: Stewardship – Our Heavenly mindset directs us into faithful stewardship of our time, resources, gifts, and talents. Making the best use of the time because the days are evil. –  Ephesians 5:16

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace – 1 Peter 4:10

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. – James 2:18

Heavenly Minded: Pragmatic Practical Christianity – Jesus taught a parable about the ten minas teaching us to ‘occupy until He returns’ The word used in the original text is pragmateuomai meaning to do business, to trade, to occupy.He wants us to do life, living out our Christian Heavenly mindset with practical integrity of faith without compromise.

Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ – Luke 19:13

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ; He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? – Colossians 3:23-24; Micah 6:8

May you have a better desire than what this world has to offer.

May your heart’s desire be the Lord’s desires.

May you serve Him and others in His Name faithfully, without compromise, keeping a Heavenly Mindset desire for a better place where you will hear Him say, ‘Welcome home, good and faithful servant’.