Looking up …

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:2

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but not many people will see much beauty in this picture of pigs at the Oregon State Fair.  Why?  Maybe because pigs have a sort of bad persona: one of loud squeals, stubbornness, greediness, and a face only a mother could love.

But perhaps the worst part of the piggy’s reputation is the habit that pigs have of rooting in the mud and the dirt.  I know, often the pig is just trying to stay cool, but you have to admit, a pig has a certain fascination with earthiness.  They are famous for looking down, not up.

Not so with you as a believer.  Saint Paul exhorts you, “Set your mind on things above, not earthly things.” You must rid yourself of the filth of sin, and put on our Lord Jesus Christ and His glorious life.  That means the dirt of anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language, and lies must be buried in the tomb with Jesus and the new life of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness must rise with Him.

And how shall you rid yourself of the filth of sin?  By admitting that you are a sinner, and cannot raise yourself from the sticky mud of temptation and sinful habits.  As soon as you call on Jesus, He will raise you up.

A pig is meant to be a pig, earthy and content in the mud.  But you were not meant for this earth, but for heaven’s glory. The Holy Spirit has placed that hunger in your heart to rise with Jesus, who came to earth to raise you up to Himself.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that you loved me and died that my sin might be removed from me forever.  I am sorry that I often do not look up to you, and call upon you, that you might lift me up and save me.  Lift up my eyes, my mind, and my heart to your divine love and grace every day.  Thank you that you are never ashamed of me, and you never tire of my prayers of repentance and confession. Amen.

Text and photo copyright by Steve Nickodemus.