Ron Aulbach

I really like bacon.  My office has a small shrine devoted to this savory meat savior.  Bacon flavored candy, bacon balm chapstick, and a wall calendar that gives unusual facts and bacon recipes.  The April calendar simply says, “Bacon is Addictive.”  It sure is, but it hasn’t been great for my health.  Quitting bacon has been murder but necessary.

Ever have to give something up?  Or worse, had something you love taken away? Giving up a type of food or any addiction is hard enough, but at least you made the choice.  When something is ripped from you, the feeling is hopelessness.  I’ve prayed in lots of hospital rooms and cried in too many funeral homes. Loss of any type, can make you feel stuck and unsure of where to turn.  I was with my best friend when he had a heart attack and died while our families were camping together.  I remember wondering if there would ever be hope again.  I bet the disciples felt exactly the same way when they saw Jesus hanging by three nails.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2

To resurrect hope we must look up.  Whether you’ve experienced physical loss, betrayal by a friend, or up to your neck in debt, you need to be reminded of where to set your sights.  The choice is either looking around “down here” or “up there.”  The things “down here” are all we know – bacon, coffee, even loved ones.  But compared to a resurrected Christ, “down here” is like shopping at Walmart.  We are intrigued by all the shiny objects, but deep down we know they’re not going to last.

What about the things “up there?”  That requires a faith that believes and an imagination that can keep up with God.  At the final resurrection, the Bible talks about our imperishable bodies and no more pain.  But it requires that we set our minds on things above, where Christ has been raised.  Look “up there” for all we desire.  CS Lewis gives a challenge to check our desires, “Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak.”  Especially if our desire is just bacon…

So, how are you doing at setting your sights on things above?  Here are a few questions to reflect on::

1.Is there something you need to give up?  Type of food? Drugs? Alcohol? Gossip? Cheating?

2.Has something been taken that you need to let go of?

3.Are your primary thoughts on what will bring you comfort, escape, or pleasure “down here” rather then imagining what’s beyond this life “up there?”

4.What is God asking you to do with your time to serve him?