What is your mind focused on?

Let this mind (attitude) be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5

As redeemed children of God, our minds are designed to host the mind of Christ. When we study Scripture, we can see two distinct characteristics of the mind (attitude) of the Lord Jesus Christ:

• Humble — He surrendered the glory of His position to identify with sinners, took the form of man and the nature of a servant, was willing to serve, seek and find the lost (Philippians 2:5-11).
• Focused — Jesus was committed to carrying out His Father’s will (John 6:38-40) and completing the work entrusted to Him by his Father while on earth (Hebrews 12:2).

Here is an example we can all take our cue from. As children of God, what is our mind focused on? How to get through yet another day? How to get what we want? How to put food on the table? Of course, it is impossible not to think of earthly things at least some of the time. All of us have daily obligations and responsibilities to see through — whether with regard to career, relationships, ministries or even ourselves.

Yet, Colossians 3:2 encourages us to “set [our] minds on things above, not on earthly things”. So, what is that all about? It means making God and His kingdom our central focus. Simply put, our minds should be kingdom-minded and eternity-focused.

Colossians encourages us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. Our minds should be kingdom-minded and eternity-focused

As Paul wrote these verses, he knew we would have to tend to earthly commitments and activities. In fact, in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, he is very clear in his command that all should work to earn their own living and shun idleness.

But what he means is that these earthly things must not take precedence over focusing our minds on God and the things of God — namely, His Word, His service, His praise and His purposes. That is the example Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, modelled out for us even as He was on this earth. His mind was focused/set on the things of God, His Father, always. The things of God must be the basis from which we pursue all the other important matters of our daily lives. And when we seek His kingdom first, all other things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33), as He richly supplies our every need (Philippians 4:19).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise You for You alone are God. We thank you for the Lord Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, in whom we see the perfect example of how to live on this earth. Father, help us to have the mind of Christ. May we be kingdom-minded and eternity-focused. We confess that we are too often not. Forgive us, Lord, and change our attitudes and mind to that of being humble and focused on You, our Lord and Master. In the powerful name of our Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.