Setting Our Minds

Theme

As we pray this week, we are preparing ourselves to be the people of God by training our minds on where to focus

Scriptures

Romans 8:5-9: 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. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ,they do not belong to Christ.

Colossians 3:1-4: 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. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Reflect

As we pray this week, we prepare ourselves to be the people of God by training our minds to focus on Him.

Sounds simple enough, doesn't it? But corralling our thoughts is a tricky business.

As you read Romans 8:5-9, let’s ask yourself, “What does my human heart desire?”

What did you notice? Most likely the bulk of our wants and desires are not bad, or even contrary to God’s own. Many of them are truly good— both for ourselves and for others.

So where’s the rub?

Consider this: having desires is not really problematic… until they start steering the ship, driving our car, or cookin’ in the kitchen (INSERT YOUR FAVORITE METAPHOR HERE).

Of course, I’m not telling you anything new. As soon as anything other than God is steering our thoughts, we are well on our way to striving, comparing, discouragement, selfishness and pride. 

Haven’t we each experienced the slow and wearying death to our spirit and relationships caused by these?

However, when our minds are governed by God, not only in the BIG decisions but moment by moment, and at the very center of how we see ourselves (and therefore how we see others)— it’s SO good.

Not necessarily easy. Not always comfortable. But good. And pleasing to Him.

Next, look at Colossians 3:1-4. 

What an amazing hope we have when we depend on Jesus!

By the Holy Spirit’s power, we can set our hearts and eyes on the things above and follow His leading into bringing a little more of His kingdom right here on earth. 

What a privilege!

Pray

After you reflect on the Scriptures, offer this prayer to the Lord!Lord, because I am Yours, I walk in Your Spirit. I am not doomed by my own thinking and assumptions.

I praise You, God, for the work You have already done for me and even now are continuing in me. You are so gracious and amazing!

However, I also admit to You (and myself) that often my mind is governed by my “flesh”, and this hinders me— it weighs me down, trips me up, and robs me of life and peace.

I need You. Your ways are often so different from mine. So, thank You, that mind and soul, I’ve been raised with Christ. 

I don’t understand it, but I’m thankful for my place in Your family. 

Please teach me to more quickly recognize who or what is governing my thoughts each day. Give me the courage and discipline to seek Your ways, trading them for my own.

Make me a vessel of Your life and peace in this world until you appear again. 

Amen.