Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-3

Keep seeking. The word includes the idea of striving. Seeking isn’t easy. And it isn’t natural. This is why it is commanded here. If we naturally sought after God, God would not have to tell us to do it! We naturally seek after things we want. Money. Power. Prestige. Fame. Earthly things easily grab our attention. Let this season of Lent be a time of refocusing, of seeking the things that are above.

How?

Set your minds. This phrase means to direct your mind. As you fast from something you’ll discover that your mind goes repeatedly to the thing you’re giving up. That’s natural. You’re used to social media. You may even go through withdrawals. You love chocolate. Or your favorite Netflix show. And you’ll miss it. When this happens you have a choice. Grieve the loss of what you gave up, or set your mind on heavenly things.

But how? Don’t overcomplicate this. Here are a few ideas. And it will take some time and practice.

Worship. In your car. At home while you’re cooking. While you’re working out. Great songs set our minds on things above.

Read. God’s Word. A devotional. A blog by a trusted Christian author.

Pray God’s Word. Start with the Psalms and pray them back to God.

Let silence be your friend. Turn off the noise and see what God has to say to you. Go on your favorite hike and hear God’s voice.

Journal. Write down how God speaks to you.

Tomorrow is Sunday. The blog will be short and simple…and hopefully prepare you for worship. Then Monday, we’ll return to Colossians 3…and learn the joy (and challenge) of “putting off and putting on.”