Set Your Mind Higher
06/26/2026
There’s a difference between what captures our attention and what deserves our attention. Every day we’re surrounded by headlines, deadlines, notifications, opinions, and distractions. Most of them demand an immediate response, but very few have any eternal value. The direction of our thoughts often determines the direction of our lives. Paul understood that, which is why he didn’t just tell believers to change their behavior, he began with the mind.
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
- Colossians 3:2 (ESV)
This verse doesn’t tell us to ignore life here on earth. Paul wasn’t suggesting we stop paying bills, caring for our families, going to work, or dealing with the realities of life. In fact, if you read the surrounding verses, you’ll find that he’s writing to people who still had responsibilities. His point is that our perspective should be shaped by heaven even while our feet are planted firmly on earth.
The chapter begins by reminding us that because we have been raised with Christ, we are to seek the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Our identity has changed, so our thinking should change as well. Before our actions ever honor God, our minds must be centered on Him.
I’ve noticed that whatever occupies my thoughts eventually begins to influence my attitude. If I spend my day dwelling on fear, I become anxious. If I replay hurts, bitterness starts to grow. If I constantly compare myself to others, contentment quietly slips away. But when I intentionally fill my mind with God’s Word, His faithfulness, and His promises, my outlook begins to change, even if my circumstances haven’t.
That doesn’t happen by accident. Nobody drifts into a Christ-centered mind. It takes intentional choices. We decide what we read, what we watch, what we listen to, and what we allow to stay in our thoughts. Those choices either draw us closer to Christ or slowly pull our attention somewhere else.
The beautiful thing is that God isn’t asking us to pretend our problems don’t exist. He’s inviting us to view them from a higher perspective. When our minds are fixed on Christ, our problems don’t always get smaller, but our Savior becomes much bigger. We remember that this world is not our home, our hope isn’t tied to today’s circumstances, and our future is secure in Him.
Today, before your mind gets crowded with everything competing for your attention, choose to look up. Set your thoughts where your heart truly belongs.
Action Steps
* Begin your day by reading a portion of Scripture before checking your phone or the news.
* When anxious thoughts arise today, pause and replace them with one of God’s promises.
* Ask yourself throughout the day, “Is what I’m dwelling on drawing me closer to Christ or distracting me from Him?”
Challenge for the Day
For the next 24 hours, every time you catch yourself dwelling on worry, frustration, or comparison, stop and intentionally thank God for one truth about who He is. Let gratitude redirect your thoughts toward Him.
Prayer
Father, thank You for reminding me that my life is found in Christ. Help me guard my thoughts and intentionally fix my mind on what is eternal rather than what is temporary. When distractions come, redirect my attention to You. Give me a heavenly perspective that shapes the way I live, love, and respond today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
There’s a difference between what captures our attention and what deserves our attention. Every day we’re surrounded by headlines, deadlines, notifications, opinions, and distractions. Most of them demand an immediate response, but very few have any eternal value. The direction of our thoughts often determines the direction of our lives. Paul understood that, which is why he didn’t just tell believers to change their behavior, he began with the mind.
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
- Colossians 3:2 (ESV)
This verse doesn’t tell us to ignore life here on earth. Paul wasn’t suggesting we stop paying bills, caring for our families, going to work, or dealing with the realities of life. In fact, if you read the surrounding verses, you’ll find that he’s writing to people who still had responsibilities. His point is that our perspective should be shaped by heaven even while our feet are planted firmly on earth.
The chapter begins by reminding us that because we have been raised with Christ, we are to seek the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Our identity has changed, so our thinking should change as well. Before our actions ever honor God, our minds must be centered on Him.
I’ve noticed that whatever occupies my thoughts eventually begins to influence my attitude. If I spend my day dwelling on fear, I become anxious. If I replay hurts, bitterness starts to grow. If I constantly compare myself to others, contentment quietly slips away. But when I intentionally fill my mind with God’s Word, His faithfulness, and His promises, my outlook begins to change, even if my circumstances haven’t.
That doesn’t happen by accident. Nobody drifts into a Christ-centered mind. It takes intentional choices. We decide what we read, what we watch, what we listen to, and what we allow to stay in our thoughts. Those choices either draw us closer to Christ or slowly pull our attention somewhere else.
The beautiful thing is that God isn’t asking us to pretend our problems don’t exist. He’s inviting us to view them from a higher perspective. When our minds are fixed on Christ, our problems don’t always get smaller, but our Savior becomes much bigger. We remember that this world is not our home, our hope isn’t tied to today’s circumstances, and our future is secure in Him.
Today, before your mind gets crowded with everything competing for your attention, choose to look up. Set your thoughts where your heart truly belongs.
Action Steps
* Begin your day by reading a portion of Scripture before checking your phone or the news.
* When anxious thoughts arise today, pause and replace them with one of God’s promises.
* Ask yourself throughout the day, “Is what I’m dwelling on drawing me closer to Christ or distracting me from Him?”
Challenge for the Day
For the next 24 hours, every time you catch yourself dwelling on worry, frustration, or comparison, stop and intentionally thank God for one truth about who He is. Let gratitude redirect your thoughts toward Him.
Prayer
Father, thank You for reminding me that my life is found in Christ. Help me guard my thoughts and intentionally fix my mind on what is eternal rather than what is temporary. When distractions come, redirect my attention to You. Give me a heavenly perspective that shapes the way I live, love, and respond today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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