The Bible teaches to set your mind on things above. Psychology today and through the past few centuries, through propaganda and the media, has found its way right into our modern day way of thinking, and is responsible for many misconceptions regarding human emotions and the way we interpret them.
Psychology tells us that we are only a victim of our circumstances, and they put it in the following order, where the one impacts the one next in line to it:
Circumstances –> Emotions –> Thoughts –> Deeds
In other words, we are just victims of our circumstances. We can clearly see from the above pattern that when things are going bad, it upsets our emotions, which leads to thoughts of anxiety, depression, stress, etc. and this then leads to addictive behaviour patterns like eating disorders, pornography, alcoholism, bad self image, and even in some cases suicide, because these emotions eventually have to vent in some form or another! This is also the reason why millions of people across the world, struggling with some form of sin, say: “I was created this way. I can’t help it.” People think they will not be held accountable for their thoughts.
We Control Our Thoughts
Just like our deeds, we CAN control our thoughts (Yes we can!!) and make them obedient to Christ. These destructive patterns of sin and perversion are simply the result of a person embracing, indulging and persisting in lustful thoughts year after year. They often wonder why they feel so regularly “tempted” by the devil, whilst in fact the devil is only standing on the side lines, watching them destroy their own lives!
Think about this: You can’t go anywhere and do anything in your physical body if you have not been there in your mind first.
This is simply a key to helping us see where our thoughts fit into the process, and help us understand how it works. It is also to expose the lie of modern day psychology, that we are just victims of circumstance. The Bible talks about this:
Col 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (NKJV)
The above psychological pattern is definitely not in line with the Word of God, which tells us that things are actually lined up as follows:
Thoughts –> Emotions –> Deeds –> Circumstances
Everything begins with our thoughts.
Rom 12: 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV)
And also:
2 Cor 10: 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
When you set your mind on things above, when we meditate upon His word, His goodness, His grace towards us and His promises, our emotions will begin to change. We will see that we are fellow heirs with Christ (Eph 3:6) and partakers of the glory of God (1 Pet 5), not created to keep begging for scraps from the table, but to live life in abundance! Our emotions will have a reaction on the things we do, and as we start living a life of worship, a life that makes room for the presence of God, praising God continually for His goodness and provision, seeking first the Kingdom, our circumstances will supernaturally begin to change! (Matt 6:33)
And it all begins with this: What are your thoughts occupied with? We are required to be faithful stewards of our thoughts, just as much as with the things we do. When you set your mind on things above, the impossible starts invading your world!
“The devil wants to rob you of your peace because agitated people rarely hear the Voice of God. In a time of opportunity, the word is “distraction” on the devil’s agenda, whereas God’s agenda is laser-like focus – I was born and raised for this time!”
Rob Rufus (City Church International – Hong Kong)
Let us not be robbed of our destiny, a life full of the glory of our King! Let’s set our minds on the things of God, and most of all, on the Father Himself!
Col 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (NKJV)
