ASPIRE TO MATURE
SCRIPTURE: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Col. 3:1-4 (NIV, 1984)

My favorite news channel over the past several years has been Fox 45 here in the Baltimore region. Its reporters are focused, professional, and have become like familiar acquaintances to whom I tune in to hear what I’m convinced is the real deal about current events happening here and around the globe. One could say that my t.v. dial, as it pertains to news, is set on Fox 45—unless some sports event preempts their news broadcast! In a similar manner, we Christ-followers must set our minds on the things of Christ, as the above Scripture commands. To do otherwise is to unwittingly compromise and short-circuit our growth in Christ. Self-monitoring of our eye and eargates are lifelong disciplines. We can too easily become mired in the muck of the crumbling foundations that are ever-swirling down here in the world—one that is under the sway of the wicked one and all that accompanies such diabolical sway! {1 Jn. 5:19}
Thankfully, we are told specifically what “earthly things” to avoid setting our minds upon and why—starting with those which are most obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed/ idolatry. The Spirit warns all who are heeding His Word that God’s wrath is coming against such things. We are also warned to renounce anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language, and lying to one another. “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh,” says Galatians 5:16.
That said, I’m persuaded that even a frequent vicarious exposure to such sinful activities, via television programs or movies with no redemptive plot whatsoever, is toxic to the Christ follower’s spirit! Such voluntary exposure frustrates the believer’s experience of the Savior’s perfect peace. “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not fasten its grip on me (Psalm 101:3).
PRAYER: Oh, Lord, help us to consistently set our minds upon leaving the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation s of repentance from dead works.” We thank You in advance for such spiritual growth. In His matchless name—amen!
By Sis. Denise Diggs
Thankfully, we are told specifically what “earthly things” to avoid setting our minds upon and why—starting with those which are most obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed/ idolatry. The Spirit warns all who are heeding His Word that God’s wrath is coming against such things. We are also warned to renounce anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language, and lying to one another. “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh,” says Galatians 5:16.
That said, I’m persuaded that even a frequent vicarious exposure to such sinful activities, via television programs or movies with no redemptive plot whatsoever, is toxic to the Christ follower’s spirit! Such voluntary exposure frustrates the believer’s experience of the Savior’s perfect peace. “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not fasten its grip on me (Psalm 101:3).
PRAYER: Oh, Lord, help us to consistently set our minds upon leaving the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation s of repentance from dead works.” We thank You in advance for such spiritual growth. In His matchless name—amen!
By Sis. Denise Diggs
Archive
2023
January
MOVING INTO A NEW YEAR AND LEAVING YOUR BAGGAGE BEHINDEncouraging You in the New YearA Veteran StudentAll of God’s Gifts Are Wrapped in JesusThe Gift that Keeps on GivingA Faith That’s Signed and SealedI Remember Grandma (Part I)I Remember Grandma (Part II)Roots Growing DeeperSTANDING IN HIS PEACEBE WARY OF COMPARING! (Part I)BE WARY OF COMPARING! (Part II)TIE A YELLOW RIBBON...[Part I]TIE A YELLOW RIBBON... [Part II]The One That Got Away [Until Now] Part IThe One That Got Away [Until Now] Part IIThe One That Got Away [Until Now] PartWINTER, ALREADY ?! [Part I]WINTER, ALREADY ?! [Part II]HE KNOWS!Godly Hope vs. Positive ThinkingHope DeferredCalled To Endure!The Greatest Expectation!The Ear and Eye GateCourage, Saints!!Getting to Know Him- Little By LittleSame Storm Different Boat pt2The Apron of ServanthoodGetting to Know Him- Little By LittleConfess It as Sin!
February
People Are Laughing Out Loud at My BibleMe, Myself, and I (Depression)I Have to Qualify to Run the RacePreach, Preacher!Does He Know You?LESSONS FROM A LOWLY HOUSECAT (Part I)LESSONS FROM A LOWLY HOUSECAT (Part II)God’s Obedient Wild Kingdom (Part I)God’s Obedient Wild Kingdom (Part II)PRAISE God for WITNESSES!Sock LintSock LintNO GAS! NO BRAKES! SAY WHUT?! (Part I)NO GAS! NO BRAKES! SAY WHUT?! (Part II)THE BEST DEFENSE IS A GOOD OFFENSE (Part I)THE BEST DEFENSE IS A GOOD OFFENSE (Part II)Having The Faith to Favor And Follow A Faithful God (Part I)Having The Faith to Favor And Follow A Faithful God (Part II)MORE THAN 'SUPER,’ MORE THAN 'HERO'!HE IN WE, AND WE IN HE! [where 'we' can also be 'me'] (Part I)HE IN WE, AND WE IN HE! [where 'we' can also be 'me'] (Part II)MAKE FEBRUARY THANKSGIVING HISTORY MONTHTAKE HEED HOW YOU WALKTrust and ObeySpiritual ImmaturityMake It PersonalCain was Able and So are YouClimate Change
March
Loving My SpouseStop! In the Name of Love!Ask Not, Have Not!Beneficial GraceThe Incomparable ChristRECEIVE The CHIEF CORNERSTONE! Part IRECEIVE The CHIEF CORNERSTONE! Part IIDETRIMENTAL DELAYSFootprints On the Mountainside Part IFootprints On the Mountainside Part II...I SMELL SMOKE IN THE AUDITORIUM...The Heartbeat of His HeartThe Wayward and The ObedientThe Potter and His Vessels of ClayGod Can Use Anybody!You’re Canceled!Today’s Assignment!There You Go, Again!I Messed Up!The Worker and The Work!Repent and Obey!God Can Reach Anybody, But Will You?Wonder Working PowerThere is Work for You to Do!Yes, God Does Reveal Himself to Us!Now Hear ThisImperfect, But Usable!Preach the WordGod Can Save AnybodyThe Hard WordThe Message of Salvation from God
3 Comments
Amen sister Diggs! An encouraging and convicting devotional!!!
Amen it is time to stop being midgets and become GIANTS in the things of the Lord.
Amen🙏🏽Thank you Sis. Denise!
Lord help us to meditate on those things (as Your word says in Philippians 4), that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report.....so that Your peace will be with us.