SET YOUR MINDS

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2 (niv)

When we are thankful, our minds are indeed set on the things above. If you are out in public long enough, you will hear lots of grumbling, complaining, and just plain discontentment. Life is focused on the things on the ground, rather than on the kingdom of God.

And this attitude has been around for centuries, it is not a side effect of current events. Remember the Israelites and the wilderness? What should have taken eleven days of travel took forty years because of complaining. Yes, complaining about food, water, circumstances, leadership, and life.

We as a people like to complain. We like to ruminate on that which we cannot change, and even chew on things we should. We like to commiserate with others about our lot in life. I heard a statistic about how the rate of camaraderie is highest when one begins to complain and others agree and join in. Try it next time you are in an elevator or stuck in a long line.

But what happens when we comment on a beautiful day, the delicious food, and the incredible sunset? Things shift. Our hearts become lighter, and our focus is off self and onto others, God, or life around us.

When we set our minds on things above, outflows thankfulness, love, a desire to serve, cheerfulness, and more. The temporal things pale in comparison to Jesus.

Yes, we have to live on earth and live with others, but do we think on the things above? Do we think on God and His ways, do we walk wanting to please Him in all we do and say?

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Ephesians 5:10 (NLT)

Am I living my life in such a way that pleases Him in word and deed? Is my focus on what Jesus wants me to do, or what I want to do? If I am pleasing myself, it is much easier to get lost in the jungle of complaints and the rat race of setbacks.

But, if I am heavenly-minded, my desire is to please God in all things. I need a longing for heaven that keeps me connected to God and thankful for all He has done – my complaints tend to vanish with this view in mind.

When we set our minds on things above, we are thinking of Jesus because that is where He is, interceding for us (Romans 8:34). When we set our minds on things above, we have the Throne Room in view and are reminded of the instant access we have, and the right to commune with God. When we set our minds on things above, all the stuff here just doesn’t matter.

I don’t know about you, but I needed this reminder.

Father God, thank You for lifting my eyes up to You. Forgive me for always thinking of my comfort and my lack. I desire to please You in all I say and do and that includes having a thankful heart. I want to set my mind on the things above because that is where You are. Please help me to do so. In the name of Jesus. Amen