In 3 Steps: Transform Your Mind
Today’s Truth
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
~ Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
Friend to Friend
This one particular morning, gook covered my eye. No doubt, it was a nasty, thick case of the pink-eye.
Unsure how to get the yellowish gunk out of my eye, something hit me all of a sudden: Kelly, eyes covered with ickiness can't see God.
It was true. If ickiness covers the eyes of my heart, I can't see God. If distraction covers my vision of His plan, I won't move where He's calling me. If my worries block His peace, I won't ever see it. If anxiety covers my moments, I won't love my children well. If unforgiveness and bitterness flood my eyes, I won't see godly reactions.
When I miss God's view, fleshly views take over.
I considered this deeper.
God, where am I not seeing right?
"Set (your) minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Col. 3:2)
As this verse came to mind, I noticed it is so easy to become consumed with the earthly that we are blinded to the heavenly. Half the time we don't even realize it is happening. Until so much pressure wells up we have to confront it, or we nearly explode.
I want out of this cycle. I want to reverse the course and set a new one. And I can. I can do this through Christ, by allowing my mind and thoughts to be renewed.
How? By considering these three things: 1.) Where am I? 2.) What's Beyond? 3.) What's ahead?
Let's take a look...
Where Am I?
To ask, “Where am I?” is to evaluate where your thoughts are. It is noticing whether you're thinking earthly, fleshly or heavenly thoughts.
Some of my thoughts of late sound like this:
- I must look put-together, successful and on top of things.
- My value comes from how I present myself and how people see me.
- I must prove that I am worthy of liking because others won't naturally like me.
- It is what I can give to others that will make them want me.
What's Beyond?
To determine what's beyond, take it one step further by saying, "God, beyond earthly thinking, what biblical and heavenly restoration do you have for me?"
For me, I remember I have these things in Christ:
- Freedom as I untether from people's opinions of me.
- Unwavering satisfaction because I am always able to dwell in God's love.
- An ability to follow God's will as I stop bowing down to every pressing demand.
- Rest for my soul as I pull away from what I should do to be with God.
- Peace rather than a performance-based mentality as I lean on God's grace, not my works.
What's Ahead?
Imagine where God will take you as you continue to seize this new thought life. Studies prove if we see the reward down the road, we will continue with our new thoughts and patterns in order to get there.
I am excited because these things are ahead of me:
- An off-the-beaten-path adventure as I pursue new things
- A free-spirited trusting nature that relies on God
- Refreshment as I take time to be with the King of Kings
- A joy-filled day as I love God, then love others
- An eagerness to do life with God
When you tie where you are to where you're going and how you'll feel as a result of doing a new thing with God, you actually teach your mind how to change.
Beyond this, remember grace. No one does all of this perfectly. That's why Jesus left a whole lot of it for us as we grow from faith to faith.
Let’s Pray
Father, teach me to seize the mind of Christ and to rely on it day-in and day-out.
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What one thought continually accuses you? The enemy is the accuser. What would it look like for you, today, to give that thought to Jesus, once and for all?
More from the Girlfriends
Kelly Balarie, blogger at Purposeful Faith and author of the new book “Battle Ready: Train Your Mind to Conquer Challenges, Defeat Doubt and Live Victoriously” is passionate about joining hands with women who often find themselves stuck in the pits of life. Step-by-step, word-by-word, her dream is that together they can emerge better - fear, fret and panic-free. Get all of Kelly’s Purposeful Faith blog posts by email for a dose of inspiration and encouragement.
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