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. Colossians 3:1-3
Knowing God is sovereign, we can confidently say that He creates or allows the chaos that finds its way into our lives. We also know that He works all things to the good of those who love Him and are called to His purpose (Romans 8:28). How we respond to chaos makes more difference in our lives, and the lives of those in our spheres of influence, than we might think or imagine.
Generally speaking, chaos either draws us away from the truth or it serves to focus our attention on what is fundamentally real (i.e., the heavenly perspective). The greater the chaos, the greater the impact in one of these two directions.
Chaos tests the set of our mind. Chaos also gives us the opportunity to practice our resistance to the enemy’s distraction and deception. By the way, the enemy I am referring to is our carnal mind – our number one enemy. Scripture makes it clear that neither Satan nor the world can influence a child of God (James 4:7, Galatians 6:14) … unless they are allowed to do so. Our carnal mind opens that door.
Most of us have been trained for much of our lives to turn to our carnal mind when chaos invades our lives. This is directly and exactly the opposite of God’s intention. When chaos comes, He would have us choose the influence and direction of Christ’s mind. Make no mistake about it: We are responsible for that choice.
Choosing submission to the mind of Christ is the way we set our mind on things above. Like any exercise, this practice forms and strengthens our heavenly and eternal mind set. Chaos affords us the opportunity to be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we might discover the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God for the chaos and life beyond it (Romans 12:2).
God also allows or creates chaos to fashion opportunities for His children to glorify Him through solutions and good works (Matthew 5:16). The possibilities are exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20).
So, how do we participate with God as He glorifies Himself in chaos? The answer is so simple I feel I must warn you not to dismiss it (that is the intention of your carnal mind). To set our minds on things above – to submit to the mind of Christ in the midst of chaos – we simply begin by bringing our questions to God.
Why are we isolated?
Why am I fearful, or self-protective?
What is my role in this? How can I help?
Should I go there? Should I help this person?
Whatever the question, take it to God. He loves talking with His children. Please, please, please, avoid the reasoning of your carnal mind. What seems right to our natural man separates us from the voice of the One who loves us. Presumption inhibits our hearing the word of God. Without that word, we will not have faith for the grace of God that accomplishes the “exceedingly, abundantly above all”. Wait on God for the answer.
God bless you with conviction, courage, opportunity, and grace to set your mind on things above – to seek and find the heavenly perspective.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob