Set your mind on Jesus

Over the past few weeks, I have been spending time memorizing Colossians 3. This chapter has been deeply impactful for me, and I knew that challenging myself to memorize this Scripture would allow me to dwell and meditate on it daily. 

The first few verses of the the chapter say these words: “If, then, you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3 

A quick Bible study tip: when there is repetition, pay attention! These verses are essentially saying the same thing, calling greater attention to the message. Action words here are “seek” and “set”, meaning that we have a real action step to take. We are commanded, called and invited to seek the things of God, actively pursuing a mindset fixed on Him and the things of eternity. 

Just the other day, I was having a rough morning at work. I was struggling to be present with those around me, have patience while trying to problem solve, and to be thankful for the work that I had the opportunity to do that morning. My mind was definitely not on the things of eternity! I recognized that on this particular morning, I hadn’t been dwelling on God’s Word, and I hadn’t started my day by going to God. I had rushed out the door after checking off my to-do list. My perspective was completely misaligned from the heart of Christ. On our own, we aren’t going to naturally dwell on things of God. Our minds are going to drift toward the things of this world. We have to decide to dwell on the things of God, and we can’t do this without dependence on God’s Spirit and reading God’s Word. 

Is your mind fixed on the things of God? Or do you allow your mind to stay distracted by all the concerns of the world? When our minds are fixed on Jesus, we are strengthened to endure any trial (Philippians 4:13), we can love others well even when it’s hard (1 John 4:16), and He gives us peace in any and all seasons (Philippians 4:6-7). We see through the eyes of Jesus instead of through the eyes of our flesh.

An essential part of living in a deep relationship with Jesus is setting our minds on Him and His truths. Not just during our Bible time, not only while we are at Church, but all the time! Set your mind on Jesus, and the things of eternity. He is inviting us into greater freedom, deeper renewal, and greater witness to all those around us as we seek His face.