Otis T. McMillan ~ Affections and Understanding in Discipleship
Your affections must be “set,” not movable.
“If you then are risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” – Colossians 3:1-2
The word “set” is the key word in this portion of scripture. It refers not only to placing your affection on the things of the Lord, but also to letting them stay firm. As disciples of Christ we should be stable in our desires and efforts. We are to seek consistently those things which are above.
Do you find yourself moving your attention from heavenly things to earthly things continuously? Do your affections change from one day to the next? As a believer seeking to follow the Lord, it is essential that you “set” your affections on those things which are above. Flexibility in your emotions opens the door for additional attacks from the enemy. Stay firm in what you seek for, and “set” your affections.
Observe, pray, respond: ask God for understanding.
“Discretion shall preserve you, understanding shall keep you.” – Proverbs 2:11
Decisions that are made with no regard for discretion often result in negative results. Before taking action, observe prayerfully what is occurring. Then, after asking God for understanding, respond as God directs.
Have you ever responded too quickly to a situation, only to regret what you said or did? Perhaps you left God out of the process. Steps that will assist you in responding with discretion include observation and prayer. Seek the Lord for his discretion and then respond with godly discretion.
Understanding turns sadness into joy: your doubt is unnecessary.
“And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.” – Luke 24:52-53
What changed the fears and doubts of the Lord’s disciples into joy? What caused them to worship him in the temple? After watching the crucifixion of their Lord all hope appeared lost. The disciples saw no reason to rejoice. All this changed when Jesus opened their understanding of the scriptures. Doubt was now replaced by joy.
Your doubts are there because you have limited understanding of the scriptures. As you sit before the Lord, he will open up your understanding of his Word. Where there was doubt, it will change into joy. Prepare yourself for victory, for God has ordained it.