Think on Things Above
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things
Colossians 3:2
What does it mean to set your mind on things above? We certainly cannot go through our day continually thinking on things above because we have to concentrate on other things.
So how much time during the day should we think about things above, praising the Lord, thanking the Lord, or asking for his guidance? God looks at our hearts, and our thoughts reflect our hearts; therefore what we think about reveals our hearts. For everything in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–comes not from the Father but from the world (1 John 2:16). If we think too much about the world, which is ruled by Satan, we may find ourselves thinking inward and becoming worried, discontent, fearful, impatient, or angry, which opens the door to lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride.
If our minds and hearts are driven by the Spirit, our thoughts will default to things above; communing with God, praising him, thanking him, and asking for guidance. This shows our dependence on God. Whenever we seek to be close to the Lord, he releases his love, peace, joy, comfort, and security to us through the Holy Spirit. This makes it desirable to remain connected to him as we go through our day. Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8).
Thinking on things above may sound difficult, but the more we think about things above the more natural and the more desirable it becomes. Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did (John 2:6). If we are motivated to live the life of Jesus, seeking to minister to lost souls, then we will be thinking on things above. We will be connected to Christ, modeling Jesus’ connection to the Father.
The most fulfilling and rewarding life is living as Jesus lived. It is a life full of love, peace, and joy; fear, insecurity, and worry all virtually disappear. We have the mind and heart of our Lord, with eternal life firmly planted in our hearts and minds. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10).
Today keep your mind primed toward things above. Whenever your mind is released from work of other needed activities, let it fly back to things above. Notice the love, peace, and joy that comes from directing your thoughts to the Lord.
Let’s Pray: Lord thank you for the love, peace, and joy that you put into my mind when I direct my thoughts toward you. Keep my mind focused on you, and help me to feel my connection to you even when my thoughts are needed elsewhere. Let me always know your presence in my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.