“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:1-2
I recently read a coaching article that said that distance running “is 90% mental, and the rest is mental!” Those of us who have run or coached for any amount of time know this to be true. Even the best runner cannot race successfully if his mind’s focus is wrong. As part of the training for cross-country, I encourage my athletes to practice thinking positive thoughts, to set their hearts on things above. At camp, they are required to plan out what positive things they will say to themselves when they are tempted to complain or fall into negativity.
The apostle Paul understood that because of our inherent sinful nature, our minds will naturally be drawn away from the Lord. As in running, so it is in the rest of life. God commands us to set our minds—to intentionally and purposefully engage them in thoughts that honor Him. When we dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable—or in other words, when we fix our minds on Him—we reflect His image in the race of life.
After all, He is the one “who is your life” (v. 4).
The apostle Paul understood that because of our inherent sinful nature, our minds will naturally be drawn away from the Lord. As in running, so it is in the rest of life. God commands us to set our minds—to intentionally and purposefully engage them in thoughts that honor Him. When we dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable—or in other words, when we fix our minds on Him—we reflect His image in the race of life.
After all, He is the one “who is your life” (v. 4).
Scripture Focus
Colossians 3:1-4
Insight
“May we run the race before us,/ Strong and brave to face the foe,/ Looking only unto Jesus/ As we onward go.” (Kate B. Wilkinson, 1925)
Bible In A Year
- 2 Chronicles 25-26
- Psalm 20
- Matthew 27
