Heavenly Mindset
Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1, AMP)
Lately, God is reminding me to be focused on things that are eternal. This stuff down here on earth is really just a glimpse of what is to come. I can’t get my heart and mind entangled in things that don’t last forever. God has called me to set my heart and mind on Him.
Why does the verse say heart and mind? Why not focus on just the heart or just the mind like many other passages in Scripture? Well, let’s take a look at that and find out.
“…set your hearts on things above…” (vs. 1)
Inside our hearts lie the intentions, the desires, the emotions, and the passions that drive us forward. Our happiness, sadness, love, and mercy all exist within our heart. The motivation to succeed in life begins at the core of our heart. God calls us to set the things in our hearts on Him. He calls us to align our emotions, desires, and intentions with His heart for us.
Are we loving others like God loves them? Are we forgiving others like God forgives them? Do our desires line up with His Word? It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the things on this earth that just don’t matter. The things that cause us to be bitter, angry, judgmental, frustrated, unmotivated, unloving, and unkind. But God has called us to a standard where our hearts are to be set on Him. His standard calls us to so much more than this world can offer. I’m tired of being distracted by the world’s meaningless toys and temporary satisfaction. I want the things of God that truly satisfy. The things that last. The things that can heal my heart and help me become more like Christ. Let’s look at what it means to set our minds on things above.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (vs. 2)
The mind is where decisions are made, a place where thoughts are given life, the place where doubt can seep in, the place where logic and reasoning fight for the right answer, the place where understanding is formed, and the place where wisdom is developed. The mind developed in Christ is a powerful tool.
Is your mind developed in the things of God? There is an easy test to find out. Simply, walk through this next verse and ask yourself if this describes your thoughts.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy –think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Did you pass the test? Are your thoughts true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable? If not, seek the Lord and ask Him to transform your thoughts. May your thoughts line up with His Word, so that your mind can be a tool for God’s Kingdom!
Dear Father God, I set my heart on Your desires for me. I pray that You will continue to adjust my attitude, my behavior, and my desires to please You. May my mind continue to be transformed by Your Word and may I learn how to focus on thoughts that are pure, lovely, right, true, and excellent. May my thoughts reflect the glory of Your Son! I offer my mind and my heart to You. Help me to pattern them after the things of You!
Finding a Heavenly Mindset,
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