A Heavenly Bent

We humans have a "bent" toward something - maybe it's the pace of being always on-the-go or perhaps it's the quiet of being home; it could be a bent toward good food, entertainment, travel or any number of things but we all have a natural bent. Noah Webster of 1828 defines "bent" as "a settled good will, love or zealous attachment" - an affection. Ultimately, whatever our bent is, we are affected by it to some degree. As followers of Jesus, we are called to counteract worldly affections: "If then you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:1-2 NASB). Quite simply, we who belong to Christ should have a different bent than those who do not! Oh, I sure do enjoy a good meal or a quiet day at home or traveling to my happy place on the beach - there's certainly nothing wrong with that; my deepest bent - from the depths of my soul - must be a life that is affected (changed) by Jesus Christ. When I set my affections on earthly things, I'm always seeking after the new thrill to satisfy the moment. The object of a Believer's affections must be on heavenly things - where Jesus is seated at the right hand of The Father; that bent, that affection eternally and completely satisfies the soul. Consider your bent, your affections and make sure it's properly set ... a heavenly bent.