Faithful Living
by Judy Hitson
Col. 3:2 Amplified Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].
As I reflect on this verse in the Amplified version, I am convicted of my need for the Holy Spirit to bring life changes in my life.
In other translations this verse simply says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
In the Amplified version, it is the phrase, “keep focused habitually on the things above,” that grips my heart.
God promises that no temptation has overtaken us except is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that we may be able to bear it. (see 1 Cor. 10:13)
As I thought about this, it came to mind of prophets who saw the Lord sitting on the throne.
I said, “I would like to see You, Lord.”
I heard, “Spend more time with Me and you will see Me.”
Immediately, my heart was convicted of my guilty pleasure of watching reality TV. As I struggled with the thought that I am watching too much TV, I recalled a Berenstain Bears book for children, Too Much TV.
The Lord encouraged me that I have been weaning from this habit, watching less programs during the day. My need now is to spend more time with Him in the latter part of the day. Perhaps reading a Godly book or spending time in worship and God’s Word followed by two-way journaling which I learned through Mark Virkler’s teaching on 4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice.
In the morning, I read the Bible, God’s Word, and spend time in prayer. This has been a daily practice in my life many years to start my day with Quiet Time.
Faithful living is a God-honoring life.
When I walk and live in the Spirit, I experience a deep love relationship with God. It brings contentment and a grateful heart more than earthly desires.
Matthew 6:33 comes to mind, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, by Your Spirit, help me balance the temporal and eternal things in my life. Amen.
Christian Writers Circle 
I think we all can feel our focus pulled to frivolous things from time to time…
yet, God wants us to enjoy things in this life as his children (just as a parent wants their children to enjoy things!)
As long as we do revere the truly important and are grateful to the giver of all good things, He is pleased. That being said, our relationship to Him should be first and foremost.
Thanks for sharing, Roze
By: rozelle12308 on August 17, 2026
at 3:41 pm