Where Is Our Mind Set?
Posted on June 9, 2020 by Catey Stover in Victory Call
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)
Let’s face it, we are uncomfortable with suffering –ours or someone else’s. We want to make the suffering stop, but could it be that the suffering is the very tool in our life or another’s life to reflect the light of God’s glory?
When tragedy strikes, we may rush in with words of comfort – “They are going to be fine,” though we don’t know that to be true.
If we succeed in alleviating their suffering for a season – even if it is false hope – have we helped that person?
Consider Peter:
From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.
Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”
But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:21-23)
That is a good question to ask ourselves before we open our mouths. “Is my mind set on the things of God?”
If the answer is NO, we need to keep silent.
If the answer is NOT SURE, we need to keep silent.
If the answer is YES, we need to speak the truth basked in love and at the proper time. (Notice all three components – truth, love, and timing.)
When a situation presents itself, are we mindful of the things of God, or the things of men? When our mind is set on the things of men, we will offer man-centered words.
When we comfort others, are we pointing towards Christ or away? When we comfort our own souls are we looking to the cross? Are we leading our broken heart towards Jesus or away from Him?
Perhaps we should pause, pray and consider before we speak.
Written By Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and provides ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Think About This: “Character is what a man is in the dark.” -D.L. Moody
The Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 98-102| You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go [c]therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [d]Amen. –Matthew 28:18-20
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.
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