Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, Colossians 3:1-17.
We are living with continuing international drama and warfare. Media is dominated by endless interpretations of the international and Australian political and social environment. It is hard to maintain a healthy perspective.
Paul’s strong instruction ‘set your mind’ is a reminder of our own responsibility for our thinking, focus and perspective. We are not victims and are not controlled. We can choose our primary points of attention. This affirmation of our personal responsibility is foundation to our spirituality.
Paul continues with this theme of our personal responsibility for the way we live and how to engage with each other. He lists points of reference regarding behaviour, ethical commitments and social inclusion. His emphasis is on human equity and respect.
We are invited to act intentionally and to ‘clothe ourselves’ (choose what you wear) with ‘compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience’. We are to not give up (bear with one another) and to practice forgiveness ‘and above all love…’. He affirms that peace in our heart is the gift, and unity the outcome.
Yes, we do need to maintain an active awareness of the world around us – both that which is close to us and beyond. We are to remember that these places are not where meaning and hope are found. As communities we are engaged in the realities of life, and while we do this, we resist captivity to the pressures, standards and expectations of that world.
Paul reminds us as that we have a richness and way of living that is in itself invitational and prophetically hopeful.
Rev John Gilmore, NCCA President