When a person uses the word commandment in a religious context, almost immediately people begin to think about the Old Testament, and invariably, at least in part, about the Ten Commandments. The Old Testament includes many commandments. I would venture to say that most of the commandments in the Bible are, in fact, contained in the Old Testament. However, this does not preclude God's use of commandments in the New Testament. I would like to consider one commandment given by Paul in his letter to the Colossian church.
The reader who examines any or all of God's commandments can safely assume three things:
- God expects us to obey the command. Why else would he give it?
- It is in our long-term interest, both spiritually and physically, to obey the command. All things work together for good for those that love God. (Romans 8:28)
- It is possible to obey the command. How could God be a righteous judge if He commanded the impossible?
So, no matter the subject of the commandment, we must always keep these three assumptions in mind. Let us then consider Paul's command to: "Set your affections on heavenly things." (Colossians 3:2)
From a grammatical standpoint, the subject of the commandment is the reader. In other words, the understood subject is "you." For example, a father might say to his child, "Clean up your room!" We understand the subject of the commandment to be the child, even though he/she is not named.
One of the many definitions Webster gives for the word set is: to place with care or deliberate purpose and with relative stability. We must conclude that whatever we are about to set, can be set. The very definition of the word infers purpose and intent. We set the table when we lay out specific dishes and silverware for the occasion.
Another definition of set is: to direct with fixed attention. For example, I set my mind to a specific task. Both definitions have meaning in relation to this commandment.
In the Bible, the word affection often carries negative connotations. For instance, the phrase vile affections (Romans 1:26) certainly isn't positive. But whether positive or negative, the word translated affection deals with man's emotional, passionate side.
Webster defines affection as: having tender attachment toward someone or something. The world would have us believe that affection is mystical and uncontrollable (the world also tells the same lie about love). The Bible clearly states the opposite. Writing through inspiration, Paul revealed that we are to place our affections where God has commanded--on heavenly things. If the Bible tells us where to place our affections, it means they can be placed.
The Bible also tells us that Scripture furnishes us unto every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Can I not conclude that all the works commanded of me are, by their inclusion in Scripture, among the heavenly things being considered?
I should then, have affection for study, my brothers and sisters in Christ, my children, my spouse, the lost, my neighbors, my enemies, God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Anything left out?
One cannot talk about affection without discussing love. Affection is the precursor to love. Can I love something for which I have no affection? The conclusion must be "no."
Then, I must ask, "If I do not have affection for something I should, how do I develop it?" First, revisit the three previously stated assumptions about commandments.
- God expects it.
- It is for my own good.
- It is possible.
The interaction between the mind and the heart is a wondrous and complicated matter; either can lead. The mind, with all of its logic, can lead the heart to love. The heart can cause the mind to justify almost anything. In commanding that we place our affections, God emphasized that the mind should lead the heart. For purposes of this discussion, the word love is a verb. For example, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15) In the subject verse ("Set your affections on heavenly things."), the word love has no meaning unless it is coupled with action. The mind must identify and determine to follow the commandments. The actions involved manifest love.
However, God is not satisfied with mere mental ascent; He also commands that we worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Notice that conformance to this commandment meets the needs of man's dual nature. The same can be said for Matthew 22:37. When God commands us to love Him with our hearts, souls, and minds, the inference is that He wants the entire man. The heart and mind make up man's dual physical nature, and the soul refers to his immortal nature. While God does want the entire man, there is a process to follow. Man must first reason, then follow with his emotions.
If the mind leads, the heart will follow. The noted author, Stephen J. Covey, noted that, "Love -the feeling is the fruit of love - the action." If you want to come to love something or someone, act lovingly toward that person or thing. In your mind, determine to behave as though you already love the person or thing. Is this not the essence of obedience to the command to love your enemies?
Needless to say, starting a business entails a lot of hard work, but the entrepreneur sets his or her mind on making it successful. He/she grows to love the business, even though many unpleasant things may accompany it.
Man's very nature forces his mind and heart to exist in harmony. This is the fundamental nature of the conscience. Doesn't a person who does something wrong feel guilty? Someone may say he is sick to his stomach, or that his chest hurts. Here, the mind and the heart are in conflict. However, if it wants something badly enough, even if it is wrong, the heart can, if unchecked, force the mind to rationalize and convince itself that it deserves something it should not have. In this manner, one sears his conscience. "Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron." (1 Timothy 4:2)
This is precisely why God commands that we lead with our minds, while at the same time, not excluding our emotions. We must let our minds lead us to properly apply our emotions. In other words, we must "set our affections on heavenly things."