P.S. to "What is Your Longitude and Latitude?

[HKHaugan]

Having placed everything in the context of location the passage that really speaks to what our response as disciples should be is this one:

“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. 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).”

The important thing to capture here is where our heart and mind are focused. When those two are in place the third, life, happens. It's exactly like setting a course. The condition to start with is knowing where you are. Where is your heart and where is your mind? Say you have always wanted to climb a certain mountain. Adventure is a heart thing. It's your heart that desires to accomplish an outdoor experience. It's your heart that has the passion, the attitude, the willingness to undertake whatever the adventure is. It's your heart that is being drawn by something. The mind is engaged in organizing your heart's desire. With mountain climbing, your immediate concern is physical ability. Can you make the climb? If you are in shape you get a map of the trail system, check the weather, have the proper equipment, clothing, food and whatever else is needed to meet the climb's demands. Your experience during the climb is your life; your energy, pacing, resting, watching your foot plant, being aware of obstacles, right food intake, noting the sounds and fragrances, taking in the beauty, feeling the exhilaration that comes with each succeeding step, the anticipation of seeing the scenery and what it's like to arrive at the top. You believed in the idea and substance of the trip. You trusted in your ability to climb and in the preparation you made and finally you stepped out in faith and climbed.

Now apply that to your spiritual climb. You set your heart on things above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (the top of the mountain). You set your mind on things above (the way to get there) not on earthly things (all the reasons you can't do it and their excuses). You died to those things (the fears, the self doubt, the obstacles) and you life is now hidden with Christ in God (your trust is in the ones who have been there before and made the map). When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory (It's when you hit the top and all that you did to get there suddenly makes sense to your mind and your heart and spirit are fulfilled.). This an every next moment move on our part as we go about our day to day travels. We are risen with Christ so we extend that risen nature in every next moment. We see every one we meet as an image of God and respond as we are led by the Spirit life we have in Christ. Every relationship is a mountain, a trail, a path with a promise of continual peaks and unmatched relational scenery where Jesus awaits in His glory. We know where we've been. There is so much more ahead.