Come NearSample

Our View

By Dave Sewell  

PRAYER:

God, help me to pause all that’s now capturing my attention and to focus on you.

READING:

Many of us have selected a picture as wallpaper for our laptops or phones. Maybe it’s a favorite family photograph or an image from a vacation. Maybe it’s a place you’d like to visit. It’s likely you chose that image because of the feeling it evokes when you see it.

The views that capture our focus impact our emotions. The writer of Colossians knew this principle would be at work within us when he penned these words:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your heart on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not earthly things. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:1–2, 15

At times when it seems our emotions are all over the place, we must pause to consider what or who has our hearts’ focus? When anger or frustration gets the best of us, we have the unique opportunity to ask ourselves where our minds are focused. 

In his letter to the Colossian church, Paul instructs them—and us—where to set our focus. It’s natural for our focus to drift. We need to choose to place our focus above—on Jesus, not on earthly things. When we do this, we will find peace. 

Setting our hearts on things above means reminding ourselves of how God views us. God loves us so much, he gave us Jesus. God cares about the details of our lives. God is in control even when we feel like our lives are out of control. And God holds our futures even when we feel uncertain.

One practical way to set our minds on things above is found at the end of verse 15—to be thankful. Make it a practice to thank God each day for his provision, his faithfulness, and the ways you see him at work in your life. Some people write a gratitude list each day. This simple activity could be powerful, helping you focus your attention on all you’ve been given.

Setting our hearts and minds above is like setting our course on a pathway to peace. May we be people who are marked and defined by the peace of Christ.

REFLECTION:

Where is the focus of your heart and mind right now? Consider how you can set your view above and experience the peace Jesus makes possible.