Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Collect for the Day (based on Colossians 3:1-2)
Christians are to see the world differently. To see the world as God sees the world. Does this mean that Christians are better people than non-Christians? I'm not saying that at all. Because I know plenty of non-Christians that are far more loving, compassionate, and thoughtful than I am. But I am saying that Christians see the world differently.
It's because we have different citizenship. We are citizens of heaven. A lot of people go through life thinking that they are citizens of earth; and depending on how well they behave on earth, they will someday be granted residency in heaven. The Bible says it's the exact opposite. We are citizens of heaven already (Philippians 3:20), which determines how we behave as residents of earth.
. . .
Each and every person that we run into on a daily basis is, potentially, somebody we're going to be standing next to in heaven. And it is absolutely somebody for whom Jesus Christ gave his life. Everybody is important. That's why Jesus took the child and put it in the midst of them. The world says 'not important.' Jesus says 'infinite worth.'
. . .
How often do we look at ourselves and see our weaknesses as debilitating. And we fail to see that God sees us and can use even our weaknesses for His glory and for His purposes. Yes we're sinful, and yes we're broken... and God wants to forgive us of our sins and bring us into redemption with Him. But God can even use our weaknesses for His glory. It's grace.
