Heart Then Mind
Colossians 3: 1 - 3
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Verse one begins with an “if”, not as a debate of doctrine, but as a challenge to our awareness. It is not a question but a summons: if you’re a believer, live like one. Recognise who you are and live out of your heavenly identity.
How we view ourselves determines how we live. If we see ourselves as sinners, we will struggle with sin. If we see ourselves as natural human beings, our perspective will be limited to the things on the earth. It is when we live aware that we are raised with Christ that we seek those things that are above.
As believers, we are called to yearn for the heavenly. We’re to seek first the kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). This is not a passive lifestyle; it’s an active pursuit of the One who called us to Himself. It is the recognition that our life is hidden with Him and this world is not to hold sway over who we are, what we desire, and what we give our life to.
Seeking those things which are above addresses the passions and motives of our heart. Then we are ready to consider control of our mind. What we do with our thoughts is central to how we live, yet setting our mind on anything can be a challenge. Our mind flits from one thing to another and easily gets consumed by negativity and fear. Only a heart set on heaven can pull the mind into focus and set it on things above.
Whatever captures our affection determines what our mind dwells on. What we desire, we think about. What we yearn for, consumes our thoughts. While we usually apply this to the negative, it pertains to the positive as well. The hope of a vacation or family reunion easily fills our mind with preparation and plans. The passion of romance shapes our musings. The desire within dictates our thoughts and defines our focus.
Conversely, it’s challenging to keep our mind focused on something our hearts aren’t connected to. Our efforts to control our thoughts without directing our affections is often short lived and unsustainable. While discipline can establish routines and define boundaries, it cannot sustain the heart. Only love can do that. Controlling our thoughts begins with stirring our affection and directing our devotion. Where our heart goes, our mind will follow.
Unfortunately, when our minds wander, we often allow guilt to shroud our hearts and distance us from the Lord. If we then cower in shame or rely solely on discipline, we invariably fail. However, if we focus on His mercy and goodness, and simply seek Him, we reawaken the affections of our heart. Our desire for the Lord steadies our mind and directs our thoughts to all that is of Him.
Though the mind is our battlefield, victory never comes through natural human effort or reasoning. It is the heart directing our soul that leads us to victory. To lean in to our longing for the Lord, when we’ve become aware of the uncleanness of our thoughts, is not easy. Yet it is love for Him that constrains us (2 Corinthians 5:14) and leads to obedience (John 14:15). It is the affection of our heart that enables us to cast down imaginations and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Human reasoning often reverses the order revealed in the verses above. It concludes that by crucifying our flesh and controlling our thoughts through rigorous discipline, we can earn God’s acceptance and then enjoy fellowship with Him. However, the yearning in our hearts is the control centre for our thoughts. When the love of God fills our hearts with gratitude and a desire for more of Him, unclean thoughts don’t linger for long. Worry and fear are consumed by the awareness of all that He is. Ungodly imaginings are washed away by a longing for the One enthroned in heaven and dear to our hearts.
The next time you struggle to focus on what is clean and pure, turn your affection to the One who is love. Allow desire to dictate your thoughts as you centre your affections on the Lord. He has promised to be with you and to lead you in His triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14). Do not listen to the lies of the accuser but to the voice of the One who loves you and gave Himself for you. He is altogether lovely (Song of Solomon 5:16) and the Desire of all Nations (Haggai 2:7). As your heart seeks, your mind will follow. Let the longing of your heart become the filter for your thoughts and the refiner of your focus.
Consider:
What is your response when your mind wanders to places it should not go? Do you feel overwhelmed by guilt and distant from the Lord or do you turn your affection towards Him?
How effective is your strategy in controlling your mind?
Prayer Prompts:
Lord, You know my thoughts but You also see my desire to love and serve You. How do I keep my heart connected when my mind is wandering?
