A Set Mind

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.      –   Colossians 3:2

Pumpkin time has returned to America, a sure sign that autumn is arriving with all of its holidays ahead. As a pie baker, you know how to tell when a pumpkin pie is ready to come from the oven. If you nudge the pie plate and the filling doesn’t jiggle, then it is done. The filling is set, and you will be able to serve it with confidence. 

In today’s verse, Paul tells you to “set your mind.” In the Greek, the word is phroneo, which involves a determination of your will and the purpose of your reason. Theologian W. E. Vine said it “signifies the whole action of the mind, not merely the thinking power, the reasoning, but the set purpose of the mind, and is thus used in a distinctly spiritual sense.” The verse that precedes today’s says to “seek the things that are above.” These two actions are connected. You cannot set your mind and rationale on what you haven’t sought out and found! Peter also directs you to prepare your minds for action and fix your hope on the things of Christ (1 Peter 1:13). 

William Wilberforce, the British politician who led the movement to abolish the slave trade, wrote, “ Except the affections of the soul be supremely fixed on God; unless it be the leading and governing desire and primary pursuit to possess his favour and promote his glory, we are considered as having transferred our fealty to an usurper, and as being in fact revolters from our lawful sovereign.” By continually keeping your mind alert, seeking, set, prepared, and fixed, you leave no room for the nudges of Satan to jiggle your determination. You are ready to serve.  Pastor and author John MacArthur adds, “When Christians begin to live in the heavenlies… they will live out their heavenly values in this world to the glory of God.” Pray for believers in government to keep their minds on the values and goals of Scripture as they work to enact and enforce laws for the benefit of the people.