Read: Colossians3:1-11

Living for the future puts today in perspective.

为永生而活，就能正确看待今生。

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

你们要思念上面的事，不要思念地上的事。-歌罗西书3章2节

In our family, March means more than the end of winter. It means that the college basketball extravaganza called “March Madness” has arrived. As avid fans, we watch the tournament and enthusiastically root for our favorite teams. If we tune in early we get a chance to listen to the broadcasters talk about the upcoming game and to enjoy some of the pre-game drills where players shoot practice shots and warm up with teammates.

在我们家，三月的到来不仅意味着冬季的结束，也代表那称为「疯狂三月」的大学篮球赛季也来到了。身为狂热的球迷，我们追看球赛转播，并且热情地支持我们最喜欢的球队。如果我们提早转到运动频道，可以听到体育主播谈论即将开始的比赛，还能观赏球员的赛前暖身练习，包括练习投篮、与队友一起热身。然而，最精彩的好戏是在后头。

Our life on earth is like the pre-game in basketball. Life is interesting and full of  promise, but it doesn’t compare to what lies ahead. Just think of the pleasure of knowing that even when life is good, the best is yet to come! Or that when we give cheerfully to those in need, it’s an investment in heavenly treasure. In times of suffering and sorrow, we can find hope as we reflect on the truth that a pain-free, tearless eternity awaits us. It’s no wonder that Paul exhorts: “Set your minds on things above” (Col. 3:2).

我们在世上的生活就像赛前暖身一样，尽管充满生活乐趣和希望，却完全比不上天家永远的生命。如果你现在的生活已经很好了，但想到还有更好的在后头，岂能不开心呢？或是想到我们甘心乐意地帮助缺乏的人，便是积聚财宝在天上，怎能不充满喜乐呢？在遭遇苦难和哀伤之时，想到上帝应许我们将会得到那没有痛苦、没有眼泪的永恒生命，我们就能满有盼望。难怪保罗会如此劝勉：「你们要思念上面的事。」（歌罗西书3章2节）

The future God has promised us enables us to see all of life in new dimensions.While this may be a great life, the best life is still to come. It is a wonderful privilege to live here in the light of there.

上帝应许的永恒生命，使我们能以全新的角度来看待人生。也许现在的生活已经挺不错了，但还有更好的在后头。如今我们虽然住在地上，却拥有永生的盼望，实在是上帝美好的恩典！

Prayer 祷告：

Let us then be true and faithful, trusting, serving every day; just one glimpse of  Him in glory will the toils of life repay. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!

恩赏不远，努力向前！救主荣美即望见；将入珠门，将登天城，得进天街朝主面。当我众都到天庭，主面前欢喜相聚乐如何！