Heaven-Set Hearts

## Heaven-Set Hearts

**Scripture:** Colossians 3:1-2 "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."

**Thought :** When our hearts are set on heavenly things—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control our actions naturally flow from a place of purpose and integrity. Earthly concerns will still arise, but they won't hold the same power or sway over us when our foundation is built on God's unwavering love and truth. This is living a life aligned with Christ's values, reflecting His character in our daily lives.

**Action Plan:** Today, choose one area of your life where earthly concerns are overshadowing your spiritual focus. For example, if you're consumed by worry about finances, spend 15 minutes in prayer and meditation focusing on God's provision.

**Prayer:** Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder to set my heart on things above. Help me to prioritize your kingdom and your righteousness in all that I do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

My story 

The chipped paint on my childhood bedroom wall still holds the faded remnants of a cross I painstakingly drew when I was eight. It wasn't a perfect cross; childlike in its simplicity, yet it represented a burgeoning faith, a nascent understanding of a love far greater than myself. Looking back, that cross serves as a visual marker of the journey my life has taken – a journey shaped by the unwavering pursuit of aligning my values with God's purpose, as articulated in passages like Colossians 3:1-2 and Philippians 4:8.

My teenage years were a turbulent sea of self-discovery, marked by the seductive whispers of worldly temptations. The pursuit of popularity, the pressure to conform, the allure of immediate gratification – these earthly desires often overshadowed the quiet voice of faith within. I chased fleeting pleasures, believing happiness resided in external validation rather than internal peace. The principles outlined in Philippians 4:8 – true, noble, right, pure – felt like distant stars, unreachable and insignificant in the face of immediate desires. I felt the pull of "earthly things" with a force that threatened to consume me.

However, a pivotal moment arrived during a particularly low point. Surrounded by the wreckage of poor choices, I found myself utterly alone, devoid of the artificial comforts I had previously sought. In that desolation, the words of Colossians 3:1-2 resonated with a profound new meaning. The concept of being "raised with Christ" felt less like a theological concept and more like a lifeline thrown to a drowning man.

It was a slow, painful climb back. Prayer became a daily necessity, not a ritualistic chore. I began studying the Bible with a renewed fervor, not merely to read the words, but to truly understand their implications for my life. The verses became less like distant commands and more like personal invitations to a deeper relationship with God. I discovered the importance of community, finding solace and strength in a group of fellow believers who understood my struggles and offered unwavering support. Their lives exemplified the values of Philippians 4:8, a living testament to the transformative power of choosing to focus on things that are true and noble.

The path hasn’t been linear. There have been stumbles, setbacks, and moments of intense doubt. But the consistent practice of prayer, the diligent study of scripture, and the nurturing support of my community have provided a steadfast foundation. I've learned that aligning my values with God's purpose is not a passive acceptance but an active, ongoing process of striving, failing, and rising again, always striving to reflect the character of Christ in my actions and attitudes.

Today, the faded cross on my childhood wall serves as a powerful reminder of how far I've come. It symbolizes a journey of growth, a testament to the transformative power of faith, and a commitment to continue seeking God's guidance, striving to live a life that honors Him and brings glory to His name. The pursuit of a life grounded in His values is not a destination, but a lifelong pilgrimage, one I undertake with hope, gratitude, and a growing understanding of the immeasurable love that awaits.

Go deeper 

In the Bible, we find guidance on how to ground ourselves in values that align with our purpose. One key passage that addresses this is found in Colossians 3:1-2, which says, "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."

This passage encourages believers to focus on heavenly values and priorities, rather than being consumed by earthly concerns. By aligning our hearts and minds with the values of Christ, we can live out our purpose in a way that honors God and reflects His character.

Additionally, in Philippians 4:8, we are instructed to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. This verse reminds us to fill our minds with positive and uplifting thoughts, which can help us stay grounded in values that align with our purpose.

Ultimately, grounding ourselves in values that align with our purpose involves seeking God's guidance through prayer, studying His Word, and surrounding ourselves with a community of believers who can support and encourage us in our journey. By staying connected to God and His truth, we can live out our purpose in a way that brings glory to Him.