So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1 (NRSV)
One of the many enjoyable things about becoming a grandparent is rediscovering children's literature. Among the classics are the Winnie-the-Pooh books by A.A. Milne and illustrator E.F. Shepard. Pooh has many friends with whom he shares his adventures, but the lovable Eeyore is perhaps the most memorable. Poor Eeyore, eyes cast downward, seems happiest when he's unhappy. He can never quite appreciate the joy in the world surrounding him. When greeted by Pooh with, "Lovely day, isn't it?" Eeyore responds, "If it is a good morning, which I doubt."
Sometimes it's easy for us to be Eeyore's. Despite having been resurrected through Christ into a new life, we get trapped in the world's unhappiness. Though we may find occasional fleeting pleasure below, the source of pure joy is found in looking upward.
Satan desires nothing better than for us to keep our eyes cast forever downward. By deflecting our eyes and thoughts from Christ, he wins–he is at his happiest when we are at our most unhappy.
But we have been delivered! Through Jesus, we have received new life. Though tempted, we needn't get bogged down in the sin and despair of the world. Keeping our eyes fixedly focused on the "things that are above" puts everything into a different–holy–perspective. What seems impossible when staring at the earth is imminently possible when looking upward. The God who saved us has claimed us as his children and walks with us in the Holy Spirit.
God, we give thanks for raising us with Christ. Please help us keep our eyes firmly focused above. Take our lives and make them wholly yours. In Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim

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