In the culmination of our time together this series, we will discuss what it's like to live above this world, once we have broken through the clouds. When we trade the troubles of life for the joy of serving Christ, we gain a whole new perspective of the world around us. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Rise! IN 66 DAYS

In the culmination of our time together this series, we will discuss what it's like to live above this world, once we have broken through the clouds. When we trade the troubles of life for the joy of serving Christ, we gain a whole new perspective of the world around us. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." When we seek to rise above, we are essentially asking God to transform our minds and hearts, from our will to His. So what is the result?

First, we gain a spirit of selflessness and humility. We begin to think less of ourselves and more of God and the people around us. We begin to see that our own personal troubles and goals are minuscule in the grand picture that God is painting. Our greatest purpose in life is to know our Creator intimately and to lead others to do the same. We are just His vessels, and we are equally loved and treasured by Him. Once we realize that, we can start treating others with the same loving kindness as He treats us.

Strive to Be Like Jesus

Rising above also involves seeking holiness. We know that no one is perfect and that we could never measure up to the righteousness of God. But because of Jesus Christ, not only do we receive eternal life – we also receive the potential to become more like Him, by His grace. When our minds are set on the things above, we learn to want what He wants. We learn to hate what is evil and love what is good. We become willingly obedient servants of His Kingdom. We see this beautiful process in 2 Corinthians 3:18: "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

To conclude our series, all of these things – rising past it, rising in it, and rising above it – lead to a confidence that cannot be shaken by anything on earth. Of course, we will falter at times. Learning to soar is not easy, nor does it come naturally to us. But even when we fall, we know that God will lift us back up again and give us even more strength to try again. Hebrews 10:35-36 says, "Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." As we soar, we must keep our eyes on the promises of God. Because He is faithful, and He is good. If we only believe that, in our heart of hearts, we have all we need to rise above the troubles of this world and soar.