We set our clocks when we spring forward. We set our alarms to our desired wake-up time. Do we set our hearts and minds?
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV)
Last week in the US we set our clocks, and I reached the third chapter of Colossians in my memorization of the book. I’ve been pondering what it means to set my heart and mind.
With my eyes on the world, I can get caught up in their ways. Finding my value in material things and accolades. Looking to be served. Seeking temporary pleasures and instant results.
With my eyes on Christ, I follow His ways. Finding my value in who He says I am. Looking to serve others. Seeking eternal treasures and long-term gains.
With our eyes on the world, we follow their ways. With our eyes on Christ, we follow His ways.We died to sin and the things of this world. Our lives are now hidden with Christ in God. So let us set our hearts and minds that Christ may be glorified in us.
SET Your Heart and Mind By:
S: Setting Your Sights
Aim our attention on Jesus. We go in the direction of our attention.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. —Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
E: Setting Your Eyes
We are impacted by what we see. What we see influences what we seek.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. —Hebrews 12:1b-2a
T: Setting Your Thoughts
Our thoughts determine our emotions which determines our words and actions.
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. —Philippians 4:8
What we see, we seek. So let us set our sights on Christ, set our eyes on Christ, and set our thoughts on Christ.
… Christ is all, and is in all. —Colossians 3:11b
Reminder for the heart: With our eyes on the world, we follow their ways. With our eyes on Christ, we follow His ways.
Related resources to encourage your heart: Matthew 6:33 – Seek First, 3 Benefits of Prioritizing Your Life, and Why We Need to Keep First Things First.
What’s on your heart? How do you set your heart and mind on Jesus? Which one do you struggle most with setting: your sights, your eyes, or your thoughts?
MORE FOR YOU: Guideposts One-Minute Daily Devotional: Encouragement to Stir Your Spirit released (not an affiliate link). This book contains seven of my devotions: “Keep Moving Forward,” “Cloudy Days,” “The Gift of Silence,” “The Pace of Grace,” “Pausing to See the Blessing,” “Sabbath Rest,” and “Be Still and Wait.”
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I’m getting encouragement for my heart as we seek God’s heart with my friend Crystal Storms.
I’d love if you pinned this post to Pinterest.
Sweet blessings,
I have also pondered what it means to set my heart on things above in Col. 3:1, but I’ve never explored the implications like you do here. I love how you bring out simply and practically how we can follow this verse.
Thank you, Barbara. I need things to be simple and actionable so I can live it out by His grace.
I do appreciate this connection with setting our clock and setting our minds. It’s truly that intentional! May we lean hard on the Spirit’s enabling!
Amen, Michele! Only by His enabling Spirit can we set our hearts and minds on Christ. We need Him!
I so agree with your post, Crystal. I am such a believer on setting my thoughts. Philippians 4:8 is my go-to verse when considering my thought life.
I’m not saying bad things don’t happen in my life – they just don’t get to take up prime real estate in my brain.
Jeralea, so true. Bad things happen but we don’t have to be consumed by them.
Great go-to verse!
I do need to remember to set my mind. Even when I don’t feel like it or something pulls my attention away. Just keep turning back. Amen.
Amen, Rebecca! Keep turning back to Christ — love that!
This is so timely for where my mind and heart have been – grieving the state and sin of our culture.
I understand, Lauren. Turning our hearts and minds to Christ is so needed so we don’t lose hope.
I think setting my sight might be my hardest. Love this intentional setting our hearts and minds on Christ. A daily orientation of our thoughts and mind and sight.
Me too, Theresa. And it’s so easy to get off track. A daily, sometimes moment by moment orientation of turnings our sights to Christ.