file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db941210.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                 Saturday, December 10, 1994
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READ:  Colossians 3:1-14

                 PROPER PRIORITIES

       "Set your mind on things above, not on
               things on the earth."

                 - Colossians 3:2

In his classic spiritual allegory "Pilgrim's Progress,"
John Bunyan paints a word picture of a man "who looked
no way but downward."

This poor creature was on his knees in the dirt and
filth, working constantly with a rake, trying to unearth
some choice morsel that would enrich his life.  Yet all
the while a bright crown of immeasurable worth was within
reach just above him.

Bunyan summarizes the tragedy:  "There stood One over his
head with a celestial crown in His hand, and proffered him
him that crown for his muck rake; but the man never looked
up as he continued gathering to himself the straw, the
small sticks, and the dust of the floor!"

Bunyan's words remind us that the rewards of heaven will
have no appeal unless we set our mind "on things above,
not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:2).

Although we who have trusted Christ as Savior have to
live here in this world, we should not cling to material
things.  We must become so occupied with pleasing Him
and working for the crowns of eternal reward that we have
no desire to dig in the dirt of this fleeting world.

In the light of Colossians 3:2, isn't it time that you
and I adjust our priorities?

    -- Henry G. Bosch

 I'm pressing on the upward way,
 New heights I'm gaining every day --
 Still praying as I'm onward bound,
 "Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."

    -- Oatman

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      THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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    The best way to live "in" the world
      is to live "above" the world.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Colossians 1-4

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Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of
Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA.
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