The scripture directs us to "set our affection on things above" and not on "things of this earth." (Colossians 3) What does that mean to you? Our affections are those things our heart yearns toward. Although good affections can seem harmless, if they take away from our main focus of affection, Jesus, they are in the wrong place. Affection is a term often related to love. If we want to really love those around us, we must receive God's perfect love and affinity for us from Heaven. That way, we can actually minister in a spirit of God's love and not just our own human love. A good way to know if your heart is in the right place in this issue. Would you give up any relationship or thing God asked you to? If this is extremely hard for you, there needs to be an alignment in your personal spirit acknowledging that God is the supreme master of your life. Laying down our life involves laying down our affections, desires, and wants. The bonus in return is an everlasting affection that brings us pleasures which are immeasurable.
I am not condoning getting rid of certain relationships in your life that are clearly scriptural, i.e., children, spouse. This is a heart issue that Abraham had to face with Isaac. God asked him to sacrifice his promised son. Although, he knew in his flesh he could not reproduce another heir, he trusted God's nature. God was pleased with his faith. Let God be pleased with us as we lay everything on His altar, and His feet. He has already provided for us (and He is good!)
