In Colossians, chapter 3, we are given the exhortation to set your affection on things above. We are then told how to do that. Put off the old man. Put on the new man. Lie not one to another. In other words, don’t live in sin.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. — Colossians 3:2 (KJV)
Naturally, our affections are on things on the earth. That is what the old man craves. We are told to put off those things that please the flesh now in order to do those things that please God now.
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. — Colossians 3:23-24
Everything you do today to please your flesh will reward you today. It will also cost you in eternity.
But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. — Colossians 3:25
Instead, Christian, Set your affection ….. not on things on the earth, but rather on pleasing the LORD.
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. — Colossians 3:17
God bless, Mike