My new Corvette--Setting my mind part 3

I was driving today and was passed by a beautiful black Corvette. The low rumble of its engine, the sheen of its paint which seemed inches thick, the lines of its body, and in particular the cat-like ease with which it rounded the corner onto the entrance ramp beside me, obviously caught my attention. I have always loved fast cars, but have never been able to afford one, and so seeing these cars pass, especially as I get a little older, has become a little painful. Today, however, was different.

As I have begun this "experiment" (for lack of a better word) of "setting my mind on things above," I have experienced a liberating shift in my emotional life. I am content. I have recognized that, in the spiritual realm, where I truly exist, I have everything I could ever hope or dream of and much more. I am learning to take stock of my life according to the circumstances of my spirit, which is already present with Jesus in Heaven at the right hand of the Throne of God, according to Colossians 3, and to realize that what I see with my natural eyes simply does not count.

No, I do not have a new Corvette, but I also don't have a Corvette payment or insurance. I don't have to worry about where I park to avoid someone door-dinging me or something crapping on my gorgeous paint job. But, do you know that feeling you imagine you would have if you finally got that luscious car or dream house or perfect job, spouse, body, or whatever? ...I have that.

"But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment."

"Seems to be working?..."

While I don't think it's correct to follow a question mark with an ellipsis, I do think it's appropriate to follow a statement like that with an explanation. "Working" is such an ambiguous description. I want to make it perfectly clear that what it does not mean is that having set my mind on things above, I have somehow suddenly been beset by loads of cash. What I have been beset with, however, is in my opinion much better than cash...peace.

That's the best thing of all, but it's not all. Ironically, once I decided to stop thinking about these issues, they very suddenly became very clear to me; and the paralyzing analysis has given way to some very simple, very effective action. It's as if fear and worry (things that for years I never thought I was even capable of) had formed a cloud around me. In a way, as I have "counted all things lost," the fear of losing is gone, and I can see clearly to do what needs to be done...so it seems to be working.

Setting my mind on things above

Things got really tough this last year...mostly just financially, but if you've been there you know it eventually effects some pretty important things...if you let it. I kept hearing the Holy Spirit say to me, "Don't think about it..." and I thought, "But that's irresponsible, isn't it? This stuff needs my attention. I have to fix this, don't I?" Then I remembered Jesus' words, "Seek first...and all these things..." and Paul's words, "Set your minds on things above..." so I tried it. Know what? So far it seems to be working.