Set your mind on things above, not on the things on the earth.   Colossians 3:2

What dominates your thoughts? Fear? Do the “what if’s” of life rob you of present joys? Anger? Do you find yourself upset and reacting to circumstances beyond your control? Sadness? Have losses in your life caused you to feel like everyday is overcast with clouds of regret? Worries concerning finances? How will I ever make it to the first or end of the month? Criticism? Never satisfied with the people God placed in your life or the direction of your daily life. On the list could go of negative thoughts that can suck the life right out of daily living.

    I have heard it said, “Don’t be so heavenly minded that you are of no earthly good.” In fact, I know I’ve said it myself a time or two. I no longer believe this to be a true statement. I do not believe that we can be too heavenly minded when it comes to a life in Christ and Colossians 3:2 tells us clearly to, “Set your mind on things above”. Why is it so important for this to be your focus/mindset? Verse one gives us a clear answer, “Where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. You are to seek those things which are above,” and seeking requires focus. There is so much that can dominate your focus/mind that will ultimately rob you of peace and joy. So how do we start to develop this mindset?

1. SET A GOAL

     One thing I know for sure; if you do not set goals in your Christian pilgrimage, you will grow stagnate. Paul gave us this insight, Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the GOAL for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 ESV 

     What is the goal you have set as a Christian in living strong? Goals are intended to help us organize, evaluate, and to move forward. Someone once told me if you reach your goals easily, you haven’t set your goals high enough. The greatest goal you can set in the Christian life is to be like Jesus. Trust me, that is a high enough goal.

2. BE THANKFUL IN EVERYTHING

     Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with THANKFULNESS in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, GIVING THANKS to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17 ESV

3. PRAY

     Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV … Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

4. GUARD YOUR THOUGHTS

     Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS. Whatever you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 ESV

There really is no great secret in having a mind of peace. When you worry, it brings great stress to your body. When you rest, it renews your mind. Let your mind rest upon Jesus and all that He has done for you and is yet to do. When your world may come crashing down around you, look to heaven; for all that is really important is there.

Because of His Grace ~ Pastor David