Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Colossians 3:2 (ESV)
Series: “Cleaning House”
Whatcha thinkin’ about today? When someone asks me this question, I have a different answer every two minutes. With all the things I am trying to keep track of, follow through on, schedule, or reschedule, my mind can become a jumbled mess. Even if you are an organized, detailed list maker, you may still experience days you have difficulty remembering with all you have swirling in your head. For a moment, dive a little deeper with me.
Our thoughts turn into words, and our words lead to actions. Then our actions become habits that contribute to our character. How are you guarding what you allow into your mind? Are you careful about the information you view or study? Have you set boundaries around the activities you take part in? If you are a Jesus follower, these are all areas you must consider in order to keep your mind set on the things that please Him.
What we choose to watch, listen to, or take part in, cause good or bad thoughts to root in our mind. Eventually, our actions, attitudes, and character will reveal what our thoughts are dwelling upon. The enemy considers your mind prime real estate and he will play games to gain that ground. Impatience, anger, selfishness, and pride are only a few attributes the enemy hopes will grow stronger in your being. I say we close shop on these mind games! Let’s search the scriptures and find instruction to help us clean up our thinking. Put the enemy on notice. He doesn’t get to manipulate your thoughts anymore.
Paul tells us in the book of Colossians that we should set our thoughts on things above—not things on the earth. But, we live on the earth! How can we NOT think of these things? Maybe this scripture from Romans 8:5-6 will give you a fresh perspective:
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:5-6 NIV)
Our battle every day is to choose to live by the Spirit instead of our flesh. The Holy Spirit’s role in our lives, as believers, is to teach, lead, convict, comfort, and pray for us. Our flesh seeks to control our emotions, actions, and habits. When we think on things that are unhealthy, impure, dishonest, or hurtful to others, we give our flesh permission to wreak havoc in our life. We do this because we just don’t have the energy to fight. We have given in so long to the things that don’t please God, honor Him, or glorify Him, we lose sight of what is true, holy, praiseworthy, and lovely. In Philippians 4:6-8 gives us beautiful direction:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.
The lies you believe from the enemy breed anxiety in your heart and mind. Here, Paul tells you to take every situation to the Lord. Pray, with thankfulness, offer your needs to God. Then, He provides HIS peace which will guard your heart and your MIND. We need His Holy Spirit to help us, protect our minds from evil. Turn to Galatians 5:16 (ESV):
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Make room for His Spirit in your mind. Your thoughts are no longer for sale to the enemy. He is defeated, in Jesus’ name. May your thoughts be full of beautiful, honorable, life giving revelations. As you refresh your mind, He will keep you in perfect peace.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture references: Colossians 3:2; Romans 8:5-6; Philippians 4:6-8; Galatians 5:16-17; 1 Corinthians 10:5; Ephesians 5:26; Isaiah 55:8-9