Written by: Janey Frost
Colossians 3:2, “Set your mind on things above and not on things of the earth”. This is a well-known verse to many, but that scripture is a real mouthful when you think about applying it to everyday life.
In the course of 24 hours, our lives can move from typical, daily activity all the way to devastating tragedy. Of course, our minds are gonna go there! This passage doesn’t say that our minds won’t ever go there. It does say that we shouldn’t SET our minds on those things. They need to be SET on things above.
I have learned that whatever we set our minds on will lead us like a compass. Think about the things that happen in life that draw our focus; things that capture our thoughts and grab hold of us emotionally. It could even be a person or a situation that takes up sacred space in our minds.
So, the verse in Colossians led me to really meditate on how I could keep my mind set on things above, while living in a very broken world.
The word “set” in this verse – set your mind – implies an intentional action like setting your course by a compass. If you need to go north, you don’t just start spinning around and hoping for the best. You let the compass show you where north is, and you go that way. When we let our emotions or circumstances become our compass, we will set our minds in that direction.
So, very intentionally, our compass must be the Spirit of God. He will always point us in the direction of things that matter for eternity’s sake. So, how do we do this? This is not a magic formula, but the Lord gave me an acronym for the word “set” that gives me a plan of action:
“S” is for sanctify. The word “sanctify” means “to set apart” for a particular purpose. First, we need to understand what we are set apart to do. As children of God, we are called to glorify God and be salt and light to the world. This is not conditionally based upon our circumstances. In fact, difficult circumstances can be the greatest opportunity for the strength and glory of God to be seen.
Our greatest resource is God’s Spirit within us! He is what sets us apart. He is the One who draws us to salvation and is our sanctifying Agent. A person walking in step with the Spirit ((Galatians 5:16) will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit … love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). So, how do I know if I’m not in step with the Spirit? My mind, thoughts, words, actions, and responses won’t line-up with the Word of God and with the character of His Spirit. My mind will be set on other things.
“E” is for edify. To edify means to build up. Being in the Word and allowing the Spirit to teach us the truth is our best source of edification. This also comes through God’s people- those in the Body of Christ who will encourage, instruct, and build us up. This is one of the reasons being part of a local body of believers is so important. We need each other’s help to keep our minds set on the things that matter for eternity. That can be a difficult call to action when life seems to be crashing in all around you.
In 2007, my husband was diagnosed with a terminal disease. Our daughter was eleven and I was working full-time in ministry. We cared for him for seven years before he passed. There were many times I didn’t live like a “set apart” person. In fact, I thought I would lose my mind, and I begged God to make it go away. He didn’t do that. He did something even better. He drew us so closely to Him that we were forever changed!
He was our only constant. We replaced the lies our circumstances told us with His truth. Lies like:
- God doesn’t care about you, or this wouldn’t be happening.
- This will never end. You might as well give up now.
We replaced those lies with truth:
- Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you (I Peter 5:7).
- My grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9). For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. 4:17).
One of the best tactics of the enemy of our souls is isolation. So, another edification lifeline for us was people. We let people minister to us, build us up – edify us. They helped us keep our minds set on things above when things on earth seemed hopeless.
Lastly, “T” is for testify. Part of living with a mind set on things above is making a habit of testifying of God’s goodness in every circumstance. Words are so powerful!
Apostle Paul was a straight-shooter and he put it like this in Ephesians 4:19: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification”, (one of our words for today). Why do we need to do that? So, “that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God”. This is so difficult! Yes, there are times when we need to share our burdens and voice our pain. However, words set things in motion. They affect the hearer – including us (Proverbs 30:32).
God has given us His Spirit to Sanctify us and be the Compass that sets our minds’ direction.
He has given us His Word and His people to Edify us along the way.
He has given us a platform of circumstances to Testify of His goodness.
God is with us in real-time through this life-long process! Does your mind need a reset today? Ready? S.E.T.
*Sometimes pennies in your path come in the form of an acronym.
P.S.
Question: Are you ready to reset your mind?
Growing Deeper-
One Simple Action Step: Write each letter of S.E.T. on its own three-by-five card along with the explanation. As you struggle with your thoughts choose which one you need to focus on and apply. Or use all three at once.
Scripture Plunge: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
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