Self-Examination

Colossians 3:1-4

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (TNIV)

This passage has grabbed my heart for the last few days. The practical implications of this short passage are profound. Think about your day. Has your heart been attached to Christ today? By that, I mean to ask whether or not your love for Christ has had an impact on your day. How often has Christ entered or influenced your thoughts? It may require some reflection. But, I won't apologize for asking. Reflection helps prepares us for tomorrow. It is what St. Ignatius called the spiritual discipline of examen. Ignatius believed that we should develop an ongoing feedback loop of reflection and follow up. With God's help we can escape our selfishness and become more like Christ when we attach our heart and mind to Him. Paul’s terminology is graphic. We die and our life becomes defined by Christ.