Dear Friends,

If you want to survive in Hong Kong, where space is very limited, you have to start thinking vertical. Pictured below is a self-contained section of the city that is meant to provide the occupants from top to bottom with everything that they need. Condos, businesses, shops, entertainment, restaurants and other amenities are sprinkled throughout the spacious structures. At the most bottom level is the subway, always standing ready to efficiently take you to any other part of the city. Life is spent in an endless round of elevators and escalators. Up and down, down and up, all day and every day you are moving and living vertically.

Paul urges us in Colossians 3:1-3: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Yes, if you want to live the Christian life you have to have a little of the Hong Kong mindset. As our bodies move horizontally on the planet our minds are to to be set in the "things above" where Christ dwells and is seated at the right hand of God. It is in the things above that all the treasures of the soul are kept and ready to be given to the believing child of God.

Faith is the elevator that takes us from the depths of sin into the very presence and life of God. Next time life gets you down in the subway, do not fret or worry. Just remember. . . . Think Vertical!