LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Sunday 17th October 2021
SEEKING THE LORD
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:1-11
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1
We must set our hearts on the right things to make good choices. What we set our hearts on determines what we value. Our values govern the things that we spend our time, money and abilities to acquire. If for example, living a wholesome life is valuable to you, you will make many sacrifices to enable you to live that life.
As Christians, we should align our chief desires with Christ’s desires. What we want should be what He wants for us.
Most people have the idea that Christianity is defined only by praying, giving, sharing their faith, and being good. Those are good things to do as expressions of our commitment to the Lord. But genuine faith is also a daily yearning for more knowledge of and intimacy with the Lord.
A believer’s spirit can be wholly satisfied with the presence of Jesus Christ living within and yet remain thirsty for more of God’s glory. One of Christianity’s basic principles is that the more we know of the Lord, the more we want to learn of Him. If we seek God rather than worldly riches, our desire for Him must be stronger than any other longing we have.
We gain life’s “good things” – salvation, healing, wealth – by placing our faith in the Lord and seeking Him above all else.
However, pursuing the Lord doesn’t imply abandoning plans and dreams; it simply means we prayerfully subject our hopes to His will. As we strive to know God, our desires change to reflect His. Our Father, in turn takes responsibility for our lives and puts our goals within reach. He gives us all the good things that He has promised in His word when we set our hearts right with Him.
How does a believer go about seeking the God who will supply his or her needs? By studying His Word and asking for His revelation. Every Christian who genuinely wants to be trained in the Father’s ways can expect His instruction. The more we seek to learn about Him, the more we will want to know. The more we know, the more faith we have to claim His promises.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to know you and stay close to you. Help me to draw near to you with all my being. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
