I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
Why is it important to accept Jesus Christ into our hearts?
Opinions differ regarding Psalm 119:14 as to who may have written it; many attribute it to David. Regardless, it strongly points to a truth that we are inclined to ignore in our present world as we chase after money. This truth is none other than seeking our Father’s righteousness.
What did Jesus tell us for our own time? In Colossians 3:1–2, we read:
“ 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
What do ‘the things above’ mean?
- Seeking Heavenly Values
- ‘The things above’ refer to values that are eternal, such as faith, love, truth, and humility.
- These values are defined by God, not by human standards.
- Fulfilling God’s Will
- Seeking the things above means aligning one’s life with God’s will and living according to His guidance.
- Living Under Christ’s Reign
- ‘The things above’ also point to Christ’s Kingdom, where He rules at God’s right hand. Following His reign affects every area of our lives.
- Eternal Hope and Purpose
- Seeking the things above encourages us to let eternal hope shape our lives, rather than being defined by temporary, earthly matters.
What follows from this?
This does not mean that we should neglect earthly things. Rather, it means that these should not determine our life’s purpose or happiness. Instead, our fulfillment should come from carrying out the will of our Heavenly Father in our lives.
Let’s look at a few reinforcing verses to gain another perspective on our Father’s Word, which supports His expressive truth from various angles.
Matthew 6:19–21
„19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Matthew 6:33
“ But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
To also understand how the mindset of the flesh—our craving for earthly things—leads us to death, and how focusing on spiritual matters leads us elsewhere, let’s look at Romans 8:5–6
“ 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
What can we do about this? Here are some practical daily guidelines:
How can we seek the things above?
- Daily Fellowship with God
- Through prayer and reading the Bible, we seek His will and guidance.
- Transforming Our Values
- Instead of following values dictated by the world, we follow Christ’s teachings.
- Attentiveness to the Spirit’s Leading
- Focusing on the things above becomes reality through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
- Following Christ’s Example
- We live daily in a manner that reflects Christ’s character and represent the values of His Kingdom.
Although I have focused on the testimony of Psalm 119:14
“ I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.”
when highlighting the things above among my Father’s many and varied truths, we all know that what is written in the Bible testifies to the countless facets of our Father’s witness. I encourage you to seek these in the Bible, and I believe our Father will indeed reveal to you whatever has arisen in your heart.
Finally, let me close with a verse that encourages perseverance:
Philippians 3:20
“ For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ”
Let me share 3 Scriptures that help us better understand the importance of receiving Jesus and its inevitability.
Romans 10:8 – 10
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
If you’re reading this today and you want to be with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in eternity, know that this verse shows you how to do it. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. In the following sections, I will guide you through how to confess all of this before our Father and our Lord Jesus.
Read this prayer out loud with faith in your heart, for what is written there is faithful and true.
John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. These are the words of Jesus.
You can be born again as the Bible teaches: you need to confess
your faith. After you have been born again, say this short but very important prayer
with your loved ones, relatives, friends, and all those who believe in Jesus Christ. Because to be born again, we must confess our faith. This is what the next section is about.
Prayer for Salvation.
I believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
I believe that Jesus died for my sins,
according to the teachings of the Bible.
I believe that Jesus rose from the dead,
for my justification.
Please, Jesus, be my Lord!
Please, Jesus, be my Savior!
Please, Jesus, be my Healer!
Jesus, You are my Lord.
Jesus, You are my Savior.
Jesus, You are my Healer.
I am redeemed. I am born again in Christ.
His holy blood has cleansed me from all sins.
This is the truth, for the Word of God is truth.
Thank you, dear Jesus. Amen.
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
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More Than
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Reality
My service is not tied to a place, not located under a country or street name, and not hidden behind a phone number. I serve my Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, growing in Him day by day, being transformed from my old self to become like Christ.
