When it comes down to it, temptation is a battle that begins in our minds. For example, we may be tempted to have a second dessert when we are already full. The battle begins with us thinking about that dessert and how much we want it until our hearts are set on having said dessert. Of course, this is a light-hearted example, but it proves that temptations begin in our minds. Because of this, Scripture teaches that we must focus our minds on the things of Christ. After all, what captures our minds gets our attention and affection.
Colossians chapter three teaches us the impact of our thoughts. In this chapter, the apostle Paul wrote, "Set your sights on the realities of heaven." He tells us to "put to death" sin and the things of the earth (verse 4). Putting sin to death means we "get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language," according to Paul (verse 8). If we want to set our heart on the things of Christ, we have to get rid of the things of this world that go against His nature. We have to get rid of the things that distract us from Him.
Getting rid of the things that are not of Christ is only the first step in setting our minds on Him. After we put to death our sins and the things of the world, Paul encourages us to "put on [our] new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him" (Verse 10). In other words, as followers of Christ, we are to live and think differently than the rest of the world. We are called to dwell on Christ and the things of Him. Our minds are powerful weapons. What we dwell on is extremely important because it affects what we do and the people we are becoming.
This type of thinking is particularly important as we talk about our temptations. When we face temptations, if we shift our thinking from the things tempting us to the things of Christ, we will be much more successful in fighting against that temptation. We will recognize that the things of Christ are far greater than any temptation we face. Let's be people who focus on Christ and His kingdom. After all, He and His kingdom are eternal. They will last forever.
Listen to some of your favorite worship songs throughout the day. Let these songs impact your mindset and set your focus and attention on Christ. As your mind is set on Him, you will also guard against temptation and sin.
"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father."
