“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.”
– Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
Daily Meditation: Colossians 3, Philippians 4
If I were to write down a list of every task that needs to be accomplished, every single thing I want to get done, and each need that every person wants me to fulfill, I would spend an entire day just making that list! In a world where demands seem endless, the key to investing time wisely and being productive in the spaces that matter most is prioritization. I keep a priority list every day to remind myself of what is essential. If I don’t, I quickly grow frustrated by the many needs that vie for my attention.
In the same way that we use a priority list to control our focus and energy as we move through our daily tasks, we can choose where we will invest our thought life. We cannot ruminate on every idea, concern, or worry that tries to steal our attention. The mind can be a very beautiful, free, creative place… or a very dark, confused, turbulent place. Consider the contrast:
- Happy… or angry thoughts
- Peaceful… or worrisome thoughts
- Loving… or hateful thoughts
- Pure… or lustful thoughts
- Joyful… or depressed thoughts
- Giving… or selfish thoughts
When scripture challenges us to “set your mind on things above,” we see that we can choose where to direct our thoughts. But this doesn’t happen automatically! It requires a daily decision about what we allow to occupy our minds. The snakes of bitterness, jealousy, hate, negativity, or self-condemnation can easily enter through vehicles such as social media, television, or even our selection of what conversations we participate in. Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:8 (NIV), “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” In order to fulfill this command, we must be active in filtering what we allow in front of our eyes and into our ears. These decisions must not be dismissed as minute or unimportant. 2 Corinthians 2:11 refers to the schemes Satan uses to try to outwit us followers of Christ. My sisters, a lack of attention, discipline, or conviction in one area can open a door of vulnerability for the adversary to set up camp in our minds. Let’s be on guard and proactive in tending to our thoughts.
“The battle for sin always starts in the mind.”
– Rick Warren
One way to beat distractions is to expect them to pop up, and then be prepared to stick to your priority list. Rely on the Lord’s strength to help you do this. Pray over your priorities and the responsibilities he has given you to steward. Distractions will come, but you can overcome them by making a preemptive choice to focus on what the Bible says is true.
Let’s let 2019 be the year we grow closer to the Lord and become the fearless, strong, and faithful woman we are meant to be in Him! In Be Fearless, Julie Clinton provides a scripturally-sound guide for finding freedom, purpose, joy… and fearlessness. Be Fearless is now available in our store! https://www.aacc.net/product/be-fearless/ Consider working through Be Fearless with another extraordinary woman or group this year!
Julie Clinton, MAd, MBA, is president of Extraordinary Women and host of EWomen conferences all across America. She is the author of several books including A Woman’s Path to Emotional Freedom, 10 Things You Aren’t Telling Him, and Extraordinary Women. She is passionate about seeing women live out their dreams by finding their freedom in Christ. Julie and her husband, Tim, live in Virginia with their children, Megan and Zach.