The Power to Focus:
On this NOT That – Part 1
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:1-6
Key Verse: Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
There is a popular book out that is entitled, Eat This Not That. It helps people who want to eat healthy visualize the difference between the bad foods and the good foods. It will show a picture of how eating a bad choice adds fat calories to our bodies. The idea is to help the reader focus on what is really important and get their mind off the bad stuff.
The Apostle Paul is really challenging us to do the same thing in our spiritual journey with God. We must change our way of thinking if we are going to change our way of behaving! Paul challenges us to “set our minds on things above.” In other words, we have the power to focus. We are not victims of our minds. Our minds can be subservient to our spirit. When we accept Jesus into our lives, we allow God’s Holy Spirit to enter the operational systems in our bodies. We no longer have to think the thoughts that used to lead us into sinful and destructive behavior. Addictions and bad habits can be broken and new ways of operating our lives are possible!
Today’s scripture tells us to focus on things above. In other words, eternal things. Our natural tendency will be to focus on the earthly or temporal things. When that happens, it’s all about instant gratification. Focusing on eternal things helps us move beyond the moment. (Continued tomorrow.)
Father, thank you for setting me free from the tyranny of the immediate. Help me focus on the eternal things today! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.