“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
“Gotta get my homework done for History, need to figure out what we’re going to do this week for Student Council, want to go hang with my friends on Friday night at the game. Hope I don’t have to work this weekend…”
Does this sound vaguely familiar? Between school, family, social media, and friends, sometimes we are constantly on the go or plugged into some sort of physical or mental activity.
Anyone can check their smartphone stats to see how much time they were online or on a particular app. But if God were to run the stats of your time with Him each day, what would He find? Would He find even five whole minutes just for Him? Or would He find your life dominated with the things of this world?
It’s more than easy to get caught up in the latest fashion trends, hairstyles, video games, or Tik Toks. If we’re not careful, those things can become our center. The stuff that takes up the most real estate in our minds.
But when we think on God and the things above, we find ourselves remembering His goodness. (“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7) We remember that He is always with us. (“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6) We consider His love for us. (“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8)
It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there. Sometimes people are mean to us. Sometimes we get overwhelmed with all there is to do. Sometimes we forget that we need God. We allow the things of the world to crowd out His rightful place.
So how do we keep our hearts and minds on things above? There are lots of ways in all honesty. But here’s what I would recommend: Designate time to Him alone every day. Whether it’s when you first wake up, or sometime before you go to bed, draw near to God. Talk to him.
Think about how He was involved with your day. Look for the evidence of Him! Remember He is omnipresent. So He has been with you all day. Did you notice?
And read His word. When you read His word it nourishes your spirit. You wouldn’t skip all your meals every day, would you? Don’t skip the spiritual meal of reading His word. Your spirit will thank you for that!
When the things of your busy life want to dominate all your time, energy, and attention it’s time to reorganize and reprioritize. He’s not asking for all your time and attention. But He is asking for some.
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