Our Daily Bread -- The Best Is Yet to Come

March 22, 2016

Read: Colossians 3:1-11
Bible in a Year: Joshua 10-12; Luke 1:39-56

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

In our family, March means more than the end of winter. It means that the college basketball extravaganza called “March Madness” has arrived. As avid fans, we watch the tournament and enthusiastically root for our favorite teams. If we tune in early we get a chance to listen to the broadcasters talk about the upcoming game and to enjoy some of the pre-game drills where players shoot practice shots and warm up with teammates.

Our life on earth is like the pre-game in basketball. Life is interesting and full of promise, but it doesn’t compare to what lies ahead. Just think of the pleasure of knowing that even when life is good, the best is yet to come! Or that when we give cheerfully to those in need, it’s an investment in heavenly treasure. In times of suffering and sorrow, we can find hope as we reflect on the truth that a pain-free, tearless eternity awaits us. It’s no wonder that Paul exhorts: “Set your minds on things above” (Col. 3:2).

The future God has promised us enables us to see all of life in new dimensions. While this may be a great life, the best life is still to come. It is a wonderful privilege to live here in the light of there. —Joe Stowell

Let us then be true and faithful, trusting, serving every day; just one glimpse of Him in glory will the toils of life repay. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! Eliza E. Hewitt

For more information on our hope for heaven, check out the Discovery Series: Life to Come.

Living for the future puts today in perspective.

INSIGHT: When a person believes in Christ, he is joined to Him in His death and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-8; Col. 2:12-13; 3:1). Paul reminds the Colossian believers that their priority—their whole outlook on life—is to consistently focus on the resurrected, ascended, and exalted Christ (3:1); to diligently strive and pursue things that are eternal (v. 2); and to continuously put to death whatever belongs to their earthly nature (vv. 3-5). Paul not only lists the practices that should no longer characterize the life of the believer, but he asks followers of Christ to embrace the virtues that should clothe God’s chosen people (vv. 12-17).

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