"Set Your Heart and Mind on Christ"

You might be familiar with the "What to Expect​" books by Heidi Murkoff:  What to Expect When You're Expecting ... What to Expect the First Year​ ... and even ​What to Expect the Second Year​.  Yes.  I confess.  As Jay and I expected our first child, almost 18 years ago, we read the book! 

​We had no previous knowledge or experience of what it was like to be pregnant, deliver a baby, let alone parent a child.  And so, we referred to "the book".  It became our instruction manual.  It told us about what we should expect in the
upcoming month; how big the baby was; what I would be feeling and should be doing each step of the way.  We learned a lot ABOUT pregnancy.  We would often find ourselves saying, "Well, the book says..."

​But let me tell you...I could have memorized the entire book, yet knowing ABOUT it had nothing on experiencing it.  Yes, I read about what to expect each month, but in each month I came to truly KNOW.

​We can have the whole Bible memorized; we can quote favorite verses and passages; we can share Bible stories.  We know about God.  But do we KNOW God?

​Colossians 3:1-2 says, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your heart on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things."

​When we say we believe in Jesus, it's more than just knowing about Him.  He wants us to set our minds and hearts on things that are of Christ; to understand, think, and seek the attributes, identity and priorities that are the same as Jesus, not of the world.    

​So how do we do this?  How do we know Christ in a way we can set our minds and hearts on Him?  Maybe we can best describe it in regards to how we get to know others in our life.  There are some people who we KNOW ABOUT because we read about them or watch an interview with them.  Sometimes we read so much about a person we think we know them.  Now let's consider someone we dearly love - a spouse, a child, a parent, a friend...someone you interact with and experience life with.  Yes, we know ABOUT this person, but the depth of the relationship is so much deeper.  ​We spend time together, have meaningful conversations, experience the ups and downs of life together and really begin to understand each other.  We find that we really do KNOW this person.  With each interaction, even more of the person's personality and characteristics touch your heart.  The knowledge and understanding moves from your mind to your heart. 

​Oh to consider what there is to know and experience with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.  As we position our mind and heart in a way that points to Christ, we can get to truly know Him and His ways.  Read the Book - Know About God - Set your mind and heart on things above - KNOW GOD!

​APPLICATION:
​~ Make a list of things that you know about God
​~ Identify and pick just one of the characteristics or descriptions and go beyond just knowing that ABOUT God.  Do something that helps you really know and understand that aspect of God.
​~ Be intentional to set your mind and heart on things above, where Christ is - not on earthly things
​~ May you know Him even more as you spend time with Him.

​Example: 
Maybe the one characteristic you pick that you know about God is that He is love.
​Dig into the Word and find scriptures that refer to God's love and really spend time in the Truths of His love.
​Spend time being still and allowing God to love on you; place yourself in His lap and allow Him to wrap His arms of love around you.
​What is He saying to you?  What earthly definition or ways of love might need to be replaced with Christ's ways?  What does your heart experience as you rest and experience His love?