Thinking #8—Ponder and Pursue

Since you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth. Colossians 3:1–2

There are four stages of skill development. “Unconscious incompetence,” when we don’t know that we are not doing something correctly. “Conscious incompetence,” when we know that we can’t do something very well. “Conscious competence,” when we can do something well if we maintain an awareness of what we’re doing. “Unconscious competence,” when we competently do something without even thinking about it. It is to our advantage to reach the fourth stage of development with many of our skills, such as walking or brushing our teeth. But as followers of Jesus we’re better off staying at stage three. Thinking about and seeking the grace that is available to us when we need it most is not something we can do unconsciously because we must do it continually and whole heartedly. We do not honor God when we are on automatic pilot. Nor are we of benefit to anyone else. Thoughtlessness in our relationship to Jesus leads to thoughtlessness in our relationship to others as well. But when we ponder and pursue the gloriously good works Jesus will do for us, we will be able to put aside “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech.” And we will be able to clothe ourselves with “a compassionate heart, useful kindness, humility, meekness, and long-suffering so that we bear with one another and give reconciling grace to each other.”

Wonderful Lord, enlighten the eyes of my heart, so that I will pursue the hope of your calling, the riches of the glory of your inheritance, and the greatness of your power.