Jesus Only: Part TwoSýnishorn

Week 6, Day 3 - Tuesday

Paul begins his instructions to us in Colossians 3:1-2 by telling us to set our hearts on things above where Christ is seated… and to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. The fact that those instructions are given specifically using the words, "hearts and minds," sent me on a search of the possible spiritual significance. 

In scripture, the heart is most often used to indicate desire, emotions, hopes, passion. Mind is used to indicate reason, thoughts, intellect. Both are used often and needed for Biblical faith. At salvation, the mind leads to belief in the truth of the saving power of Jesus, but the completion is that the heart trusts in that truth to act in submission and surrender. It takes both to build a deep intimate relationship with Christ. We can grow closer by learning to know more of who Christ is and what He is doing and then aligning our trust, hopes, and passion with His because we love Him. 

Paul was telling the Colossians to focus all their intellect and passion on the things above where Christ is seated and where He is at work. Earthly things will only draw our intellect and passions away from Christ. 

Earthly things are things like worry and fears about finances, job security, how to best handle the challenges of the pandemic (2020), the political climate, health concerns, houses and cars, and the list goes on. Matthew 6:19-21 and 25-27 talks about how useless it is to worry about gathering all these things on earth. 

Instead, Paul is reminding us to wholeheartedly engage heart and mind with Christ, letting go of those earthly things and staying focused on what matters to Him and what will be best for our own growth. Then we can reflect who He is to a world that is lost without Him. 

Reflection Question(s)

Which do you find the most difficult as you attempt to focus on things above: focusing your heart (desires, emotions, passion) or focusing your mind (thoughts, reasoning, intellect)?

What are two things you could do for the next few weeks to help you focus the weaker area on things above? 

Prayer

Jesus, You are seated at the right hand of the Father. I want to hear Your voice and join You in what You are doing. I want to align my heart with yours in my desires and I want to know more of who You are. I want to feel Your heart and know Your mind.   Open the eyes of my heart to not just know more of You, but love You more the more I see.