trbccoffeebreak

“For those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are in accord with the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5

My dog Bella had surgery a few weeks ago—I will spare you the gory details (puke emoji here). But since that time, she has had to wear a cone around her neck. She has no idea that the procedure, pain, and recovery process (no walks for weeks!) are for her good…and because we love her. She doesn’t realize that if we left her to her own devices, she would lick and gnaw at her wound, causing infection and preventing restoration.

Initially, we were excited about the latest cone version given to us by the vet. It was a stiff fabric, which seemed functional, but after a couple of days we realized that Bella could reach her wound to aggravate it. So, we bought an old-school huge plastic one, which has done the job. Although she frequently runs into walls as she wields the giant cone, her focus stays off the wound so she can heal.

I’m currently studying the Book of Revelation with some dear sisters. When diving into chapters 4 and 5, the Apostle John takes us to the very throne room of heaven where—to the best of his limited human language—he describes God seated on the throne, as well as those surrounding the throne and the very slain Lamb of God. We get to listen in as the 24 elders, 4 living creatures, “myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands” angels, and “every created thing” worshipping: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion forever and ever” (Revelation 5:13).

This study has once again reminded me that, as believers, we must keep our eyes on the Lord—on His magnificence, His glorious creation, His almighty power. But it’s so easy to focus on self, isn’t it? We stay lasered in on our wounds, self-afflicted or given to us by others, which keeps said wounds open and oozing, preventing restoration. Our pain, mess, frustrations, and sin so easily distract us from the Healer, Counselor, Redeemer, Restorer. And although we are not yet literally in God’s throne room wholly consumed by His very presence, we are called throughout the Bible to live this life with cone-headed focus. “Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1-2). Keeping our eyes on Him brings perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Cone-headed living reminds us of the wonderous works He has done, brings us a joyful heart, and keeps us reliant on His strength (1 Chronicles 16:8-12).

Yes, in this world we have to work, parent, serve, etc.—and yet, we must do all these things as if we’re in the throne room (Colossians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 10:31)! Yes, the world is full of distractions, messes, and woundings. But we can keep our eyes on the Lord as we walk through it all with a love that makes us different (Matthew 5:43-48; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Peter 4:8-9) and with a hope even in suffering that makes others want to know our reasons (1 Peter 3:14-16).

And speaking from experience…when we put too much focus on something other than God (good, bad, or oozing), the Lord, in His great love for us, may well place a Providential cone around our neck for our own good—and for the single-minded glory only He deserves.

“Lord, until I step into Your very presence, turn my eyes from looking at worthless things and give me life in Your ways (Psalm 119:37). Each day, help me stay focused on Your creation, Your sovereignty, Your glory.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life