Sermon Illustrations

FORGETTING THE THINGS OF EARTH

In January of 1997, astronaut John Blaha returned to earth after spending the previous four months aboard the Russian Space Station, Mir.

Besides conducting various experiments, his mission was to help scientists understand the effects of long term weightlessness in space.

But after landing, when reporters asked how he liked living in space for four months, Blaha confessed that his first month was miserable.

"I kept longing for things that I loved on earth," said the 54 year old astronaut.

Then, Blaha revealed what he did to enjoy the rest of his time in space.

"Finally, I decided that I had to forget them (the things he loved on earth). When I did that, then I loved being on the Space Station."

Through his ordeal in space, astronaut John Blaha discovered a great Christian truth taught by the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:1-2:

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” [Col 3:1 NKJV]

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” [Col 3:2 KJV]

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