www.bible.com/1713/col.3.2.csb
There is a favored saying among New Age and occult religions, “as above, so below.” That is to say that the patterns of heavens are echoed on earth, and if you can manipulate the patterns here on earth, they can be manipulated in the spiritual realms. New age and occult practices are about power and control, especially of things that “normal” people cannot control, like fate and luck. Sometimes people misapply this standard of reasoning to Christianity, thinking that things like prayer are a means to power, or “if I believe it strongly enough, it will happen.” But that’s not Christianity. That’s heresy. God will not be manipulated. Anything who things they can or have been they can has been taught a false teaching. “That’s not how this works. That’s not how any of this works.”
So how does it work? We might persuade God to act in our best interests. God has been known to change His mind on things. But the change is illusory, as God is watching us to see how much prayer and effort we pour into prayer. God does not change, but He sees your effort before you start. He knows your passion. But He will also wait until you have it to Him. God sees your prayer. He always has your best interest in mind. Just because God doesn’t give you what you wanted, doesn’t mean it wasn’t the best for you. God takes the long view. He sees the hundred little things that affect you as a person. He sees every twist and bend of your life’s decisions before you make them. And yet God waits for your impassioned prayer, proof that you carry out on your internal faith into your life and actions, before He acts.
But this verse shows us our guiding principle. Things above and below are very different. And instead of trying to make our life below as good as it can be, let us try to focus on things above. Such focus will inevitably lead to blessing below because God loves us and loves to bless us. Just be reminded those blessings aren’t about a fat bank a account of a big house. They are salvation and peace in Him in the name of Jesus. Everything else is gravy. No amount of money on earth can give you peace.
Lord please help me focus on things above today. Remind me that my mind and heart are better spent on heavenly truths, than earthly pleasures. Thank You Lord for my salvation in Jesus Christ. It is truly the best blessing of all. Show me those today that I can encourage with this same blessing. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Meritt Musings 