If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

I have always found it interesting how many of Jesus’ sayings have become popular vernacular in American culture. In a society that largely doesn’t acknowledge Jesus as Lord, the collective still affirms the validity of many of his teachings. Phrases such as, “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” “the blind leading the blind,” “sign of the times,” “it’s better to give than to receive,” “a house divided against itself cannot stand,” and “the truth shall set you free” were all used by Jesus as he preached his Father’s kingdom.

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Another popular one is, “No one can serve two masters.” The full verse, found in Matthew 6:24, is, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Many people, whether they are following Christ or not, would attest to the truth of this statement. Jesus said this talking about serving God or serving money, but the principle applies in a variety of scenarios.

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We see traces of this truth in sayings like, “I can’t be in two places at once,” or “You can’t do it all.” And though we may hesitate to admit our limitations, most of us do recognize that time and attention toward one pursuit comes at the cost of time and attention toward another. We find Paul appealing to this same idea in his letter to the Colossians when he says, “Set your minds on the things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

We know much more about brain science now than they did in the first century, but it has all confirmed that we really aren’t wired for multitasking. We can’t set our minds on things that are above while simultaneously setting our minds on things below. I just Googled, “brain science multitasking” to back up this assertion, and the top results have titles such as, “Multicosts of Multitasking,” “Multitasking Splits the Brain,” and “Why Multitasking Doesn’t Work.” You get the idea.

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But we literally live on Earth. While we are completing tasks at work and caring for children and studying for tests, how are we supposed to set our minds elsewhere? Isn’t that multitasking? Pastor Josh explored this quandary in last week’s sermon, asking how it is possible to “pray at all times” and “pray without ceasing” as Paul instructs in Ephesians 6:18 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17. To resolve this conundrum, we have to remember that prayer is connection with God, not just words exchanged with God.

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Living in constant prayer doesn’t mean constantly talking or constantly listening in silence. It does mean constantly reminding ourselves of God’s presence and choosing to remain connected to him through all the demands of this life. Our default mode is to be consumed by what we can touch and see. That’s why Paul uses terms like “seek” and “set your minds.” You don’t seek or set your mind by accident; these actions require intentionality. Sometimes our family simply pulls up an empty chair next to us to remind ourselves that God is with us and that we are invited into constant communion with him.

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We can’t serve two masters. If we allow ourselves to be consumed by the things of Earth, it comes at the cost of apathy toward the things of God, the things that are of eternal value. So where will you set your mind today? What will consume you? How will you seek the things that are above while you are still living here below?

Jesus, I am the branch and you are the Vine. Abundant life is only found in you. So please, teach me to abide in your presence no matter where the day finds me. Through all the demands of life that come my way, help me to seek first your kingdom. I confess that I’ve allowed my thoughts to be consumed by things of Earth at the cost of setting my mind on you. Forgive me, and lead me not into temptation today, but deliver me from evil. From your goodness, through your power, and for your glory, Lord, amen.