Colossians 3:2 ESV "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Growing up, I was involved in Missionettes, now known as Girls Ministries Club. It's kind of like Girl Scouts but with an emphasis on discipleship. I learned so much in these classes, from table etiquette to ministry outreach, things that I still carry with me to this day. What I appreciate most from participating in this program was the focus on scripture reading and memorization. The bible says that "...he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance" and I have found this to be true throughout my Christian walk. Scriptures I memorized so many years ago have come to my memory at pivotal moments in my life. One of the first scriptures I recall memorizing was Philippians 4:8 in the King James Version which says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
I don’t know if it’s human nature or the nature of the world around us, but we tend to focus on the negative first before considering the positive. I wonder why that is. News stations broadcast negativity 24/7 and social media echoes it multiple times over from every perspective possible. If we watch television or scroll through social platforms, there is no escaping it. And when we fill our minds with it, that’s what we will have the tendency to reach for. Here’s the thing - God knew this would be a challenge for us. So, in His wisdom, He gave us clear instructions as to what we should set our minds on.
I recall my cousin helping me out as I struggled to memorize all the “whatsoevers” in this verse. That's a good-sized verse for a young child to put to memory. She gave me a great tip though, and broke it down very simply to “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, pure, lovely, whatsoever things are of good report.” Just pure lovely …. I doubt she realized how powerful that was, but I love it and have never forgotten it! What things do you tend to focus on when you're up against a challenge? Are your thoughts just pure lovely? I know mine aren't always. But when they are, I notice I have a much better outlook, I have greater hope and it’s easier to walk by faith and not by sight.
Next time you’re faced with a difficult situation, I challenge you to think on things that are just pure lovely. Turn off the news and social media and turn to His word instead which is full of truth and promise.
Scriptures
Romans 8:6 (ESV) – “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Colossians 3:2 (ESV) – “ Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) – “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Philippians 4:8 (ESV) – “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.”
Prayer:
Lord, I thank you for showing me very clearly in Your word the things I should strive to think about. I know that when I choose to set my mind on things that are above and not on things that are on earth, it changes my perspective. Today, I make a conscious effort to be mindful of my thoughts for You keep me in perfect peace when my mind is fixed on You.
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