A Colony Of Heaven

After we are saved it is not what is right or wrong so much as it is; how do we do that which is right? Citizens of heaven who are living temporarily in the colony of heaven on earth should know that their attitudes should always reflect their heavenly citizenship. “ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” (Col. 3:1-3) Our minds should be focused upon the heavenly standards set by our heavenly Father and lived out upon the earth by His own dear Son.

I well remember leaving home and joining the armed forces. This led to travel to far away places. But I can also recall that no matter how far I roamed I always thought of home. This reminds me somewhat of that song loved dearly by most Aussies: “I Still Call Australia Home.” My thoughts and desires seemed to always be influenced by the home I had come from. One of the strongest factors in my conduct and behaviour was the influence of a Godly mother and father. I did not wish to betray their trust. I did not wish to violate their standards. I did not wish to bring reproach upon my family. When I did occasionally do so, it always led to feelings of guilt and recriminations and a reassessment of my values.

The scriptures make it clear that a New Testament Church is the basic colony of heaven on earth. Jesus prayed that such a colony would have and manifest a unity of attitude that would lead to a unity of message and mission. (John 17:17) He said He would send the Holy Spirit to teach us and lead us into a unity of all truth. (John 16:13a) Just as Israel was guided by the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night from a foreign land into the land of promise, so the Holy Spirit strives to bring us into complete unity with Christ and with one another until that blessed day we arrive home in heaven to be with Him forever.

Yes, attitude is all important in the colony of heaven on earth. Paul appeals to the church family at Phillipi: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” (Phil. 2:5) He appeals to two members of the church who seem to be the focus of some contention in the church with these words: “ I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.” (Phil. 4:2) Isn’t it amazing that His solution for harmony and agreement was that both should have the attitude of Christ and agree with Him?

That would be the real solution to so many of the conflicts that arise in our relationships. Even in interpersonal relationships in our homes and at work. When all the individuals in a relationship or a group are attuned to the mind of Christ, then the way of peace Paul describes in this chapter will surely prevail. Such unity is essential for those who would be laborers together with Christ. (I Cor. 3:9)