“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things of this earth.” Colossians 3:2
When the Washer Went Wild
I was cleaning house the other morning when suddenly I thought that we were under attack. The apartment was shaking, the dogs started barking and the parrot was screeching. I ran out into the hallway and realized it wasn’t an attack; it was the washer.
It was shaking, bucking and slamming into the dryer. The floor beneath me vibrated violently. I dashed into the laundry room and slammed the off button. Peace returned.
Thinking the load was uneven; I opened the washer and began taking out the clothes. I started the empty washer and instantly the bucking and shaking started again.
Fortunately, I have warranties and extended policies on my stuff, so I was quick to give them a call. The next day a young man in a blue uniform rapped at my door. I showed him in and led him to the laundry room. I gave him a description of what happened. He nodded and got to work.
It had been only a few minutes when he came out to the living room.
“Ma’am,” he began. “I can’t find anything wrong with it. But I did find this. I don’t know what it is.”
I laughed and reached out to take it from him. “It’s the underwire of a bra.”
“Oh. I buy those for my wife, but I didn’t know it had that in it.”
I thought to myself, of course—it’s called an underwire.
The young man returned to the laundry room and did a test run. It was quiet and no bucking washer. I signed the paperwork, thanked him profusely and showed him out.
The Culprit: A Tiny Wire
As I was loading the washer, I thought about that underwire. A small seemingly harmless piece of metal had caused such a ruckus. The washer couldn’t operate properly until the imbalance was corrected. Similarly, our lives can’t run smoothly when our focus is misaligned.
It doesn’t take much to knock something out of balance. I think that applies to our spiritual balance as well.
We must always be on guard. This world is full of events that can destabilize you at any time. The events of the past two weeks are evidence enough.
Our enemy wants to keep us off balance. When we are out of balance, we are vulnerable. Despite what is happening around you, keep your eyes on Jesus.
In Colossians 3:2, Paul is writing from jail. He advises us to focus on heavenly things. He tells us not to dwell on earthly matters. Paul was writing to a mostly Gentile congregation. They had been living in a polytheistic world. They had once worshiped many gods. On the other side, many Christian Jews were trying to force them to adopt the Mosaic laws of clean eating. They insisted on circumcision and strict observance of religious festivals. Paul argued these practices were no longer necessary under the new covenant in Christ.
I imagine the two differing perspectives kept the congregation feeling confused. I feel the same often with everything that we are witness to in the media and on social platforms. So how do we find balance in the turmoil?
We start with a mindset shift. We should not allow ourselves to be consumed by stress, status, and earthly pursuits. We need to shift our lens from the worldly view to the spiritual lens. This will shift our focus on values like love, patience, humility, and purpose. Our focus should be on eternal matters rather than the temporal.
It’s not about ignoring the world—it’s about engaging with it in a way that’s rooted in something deeper.
In everything that we do, whether big or small we must ask ourselves, “Does this align with what matters eternally?” In doing so, it helps us to filter distractions and focus on what really matters.
In tough moments, Colossians 3:2 reminds us to lift our gaze and trust in God’s bigger plan. It inspires us to treat others with grace and compassion. You can infuse your routine with purpose. This applies whether you are at work, with the kids, taking time for yourself, or studying. Be mindful of how your actions show your faith.
Just like that underwire, even the smallest distraction can shake our foundation. But when we fix our minds on things above, peace returns.
What small “underwires” in your life are causing imbalance today, and how can you refocus your heart and mind on the eternal truths that bring peace?
Typist for Jesus
Mustard Seeds, Modern Parables 