- Colossians 3:1-3 - If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
- Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
What we think about influences who we become. Allow the Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts toward Christ. Do you ever struggle with thoughts that distance you from God? For example, feelings of unforgiveness, pride, envy, or anger? In truth, we all face this struggle. Our thoughts are more susceptible to the influence of our environment than we realize. The society in which we live shapes our way of thinking and the kind of person we become. We must take our thoughts seriously, because what we constantly dwell on forms our relationships, reactions, and character. That is why Paul calls believers to set their minds on "things above, not on earthly things" (Colossians 3:1–2). We are not alone in this battle. Scripture teaches us to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). When we continually ask God for help to manage our thoughts, He changes us from within (Romans 12:2). The moment we trust in Jesus Christ, we become a new creation. This does not mean our thoughts change instantly. However, with the help of the Holy Spirit, it is both our responsibility and our opportunity to direct our thoughts toward becoming more like Christ.
Reflection
What pattern of thinking is distancing you from God's will today, and what step will you take to bring that thought into obedience to Christ?
