“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2

Setting My Mind

 I love the idea of new or fresh. It can be a mindset at the beginning of the New Year for a clean slate or renewal. Fresh determination for goals involving physical, mental and foremost spiritual. While praying for this with God’s direction, He led me to Colossians.

In Colossians 3 we are instructed where our hearts and thoughts should abide: on things above. What are the things above? The character He imputes to us as we seek Him, purposing to do His will and desiring to be like Him. Verses 12-15 tell us to be merciful, tender hearted, kind, humble (not full of pride or self-purpose), meek (strength under control) and patient with others, forgiving and encouraging others, thankful, and putting on love. Encourage the good, not criticizing or belittling even those we don’t know. These also are fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and qualities of agape love (1 Corinthians 13). These are the same characteristics of Jesus that we see in the gospels.

In times like these when hearing negative comments all around, I need to stop, pray, and look to the Lord for guidance. I need to sit before the Lord and allow Him to search my heart for anything that is blocking my view, confess those sins that entangle, and get my eyes on the hope He gives. His peace floods my soul and my perspective is changed. I desire to be tender hearted and merciful, kind and good, etc. My heart is excited because I can know He is pleased.

He loves us so much and sees great value in each of us. We can know when we “Let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the LORD” (Colossians 3:16), that His joy and love will flow out of us in time. We walk by faith, not by sight. Our faith eyes are trusting He is in control and is accomplishing to work together all things for His good.

This is my spiritual goal this year, to keep my mind set on Christ, abiding in His love and grace so it also overflows to others, making an impact on them for God’s glory. This comes by much time in the Word and in prayer.

“So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober (in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert). Fix your hope completely on the grace (of God) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:13 AMP).

Dear Lord, thank You that you give us a fresh start each day. And thank You for a new year to evaluate and refocus on what is important to You and Your glory in our lives. Praying we fix our eyes on You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.