Colossians 3:1-4
“Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above—where Christ holds the honored position—the one next to God the Father on the heavenly throne. Keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things. You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Christ is your life. When he appears then you, too, will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4 (GW)
One of the most powerful gifts God has bestowed upon us is the human brain, with its ability to think, reason, and process. The key to true happiness lies in how we harness the power of our thoughts. What we choose to focus on profoundly impacts our emotions and actions. We have the power to transform our lives by simply changing our thoughts. This truth is beautifully encapsulated in the words of Abraham Lincoln, who famously said, “Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be.
Our text for today reminds us of the power of our minds. We are made alive in Christ, and our focus is on him, especially as we navigate this world with all its trials, temptations, and terrors. But how do we “keep our mind on things above and not on worldly things?”
I am reminded of the power of Scripture to focus our minds on the power of God and our position in Christ. Reading and reflecting on Scripture is a great way to begin your day, connect with God, and focus on Jesus. I was fortunate as a young Christian to be in the company of other men who practiced memorizing the Bible. One passage I’ve committed to my memory stands out here. Pardon the KJV, but it is almost lyrical, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3). Peace comes to us when we raise our eyes and focus on what God can do. Scripture is so powerful.
Prayer is also essential. I recently completed a retreat on Brother Lawrence, who served as a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery near Paris in the 1600s. He is remembered for the intimacy he expressed concerning his relationship with God, as recorded in a book compiled after his death, The Practice of the Presence of God, a Christian classic. His prayer life opened up and became relatively constant and continual when he realized that God loved him very much and sought a deep, intimate relationship with him. The same goes for us when we “Let go and let God love you.”
What works for you to stay focused on Christ and connected to God?
In addition to Word and prayer, I write a daily “gratitude list” and email it to friends. It makes me aware of all God is doing around and through me and encourages my friends to do the same.
Music plays a massive role in my life. I love songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. Delightfully, I have often heard our Southwood worship music and liturgy as an “earworm” in my mind throughout the week. I have become a sucker for the latest Getty hymns. My latest “earworm”: I Am Not My Own You were warned.
Questions for Reflection:
- What works best for you as you seek to keep your mind set on the things of Christ?
- What concept or idea might you try to strengthen your spiritual mindset?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, You draw us to faith in Jesus and keep us there. Open our hearts and lives to the amazing avenues you use to spur us on to love and good works. Forgive our failure to focus. Fire up our hearts and fan the Spirit inside us to a flame that draws us to serve others selflessly. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Login To Leave Comment