So Much, So Little Time
Do you feel overwhelmed? Is there a never-ending list of things to do? Is your mind cluttered with a million opinions, to-do lists, plans, schedules, and more? Are you wondering where all the peace is in the mind clutter?
That is what we are going to discuss today. Seriously, how often are we giving the look in this meme? Maybe not on the outside (and yes, sometimes on the outside!) but definitely on the inside! There is so much going on, that, if we are honest, there isn’t much space for thinking about Godly things.
In an effort to just exist and keep things together, we end up pushing God out of our minds, giving him time during church but not allowing him in the rest of the time. We don’t mean to push him out. There just isn’t enough room for everything in our mind. But is that really what we, as Christians, are to be about?
If then, you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV)
In today’s society, we have so many stresses and so many distractions. Our minds are busy all the time. What kind of food to eat, which workout is best, getting the kids to this/that, work schedules, politics, what movies/music is appropriate, making sure kids are set up for success, making sure we are set up for success, climbing the financial ladder, on and on and on. There is no shortage of things for our mind to think about.
However, God is waiting for us to allow him in. He wants to be in our mind; shaping it, filling it, directing us through it, and more. I think this meme reflects somewhat on this situation! God wants us to just stop being so busy, both in our actions and in our mind.
The Bible tells us that we are not to have our mind set on those things. Our minds are to be set on the things above, not the things of earth. Does that mean we can’t think about these things at all? No, of course not, but we are to think of things in light of where they fit into the things above.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
The Bible tells us that our mind is to be renewed. This renewal of our mind causes a transformation. Without the renewal in our mind, the transformation will not occur. What kind of transformation are we talking about?
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with on another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:12-17 (ESV)
This is a place to insert the emoji with wide eyes and an open mouth! Seriously?! That is a lot of transformation. How do we even accomplish that?
We don’t. Only Jesus can accomplish that in us. But in order for it to happen, we must set our minds. We must determine that we will spend time filling our mind with Scripture, praying, and making decisions in light of His wisdom. It must be intentional, it won’t happen on its own.
Remember the saying “what goes in comes out?” It is true. The things we fill our mind with will effect what comes out (i.e. our actions). We fill our minds every moment of the day. We absorb the things we are around. Movies, music, conversations, books, internet, … these are things that we often fill our minds with.
That sounds all well and good, but we’re busy right? We have to work, kids have to go to school, there’s dance and karate, etc.. That’s all true. So what can be added to the schedule or removed in order to make this happen? Without transformation, are we truly being obedient to God? My challenge today would be to take small steps. God rewards obedience. You have already started on this track of obedience by reading this devotion. Commit to doing a short devotion everyday. Decide to talk to God while you are waiting on your kid to be released from their activity. Choose a Bible verse, write it down, then read it every time you are waiting on a member of your family. Choose any little thing to start building the right habits. You will get there. Set realistic goals and consistently reevaluate where you are.
1) What are you filling your mind with? Evaluate those things on a ten point scale (1=extremely worldly and negative, 10=only spiritual and positive).
movies
music
internet
books/magazines
work conversations
church conversations
friend conversations
social media
non-music radio
TV
other ___________
Take a moment to petition the Holy Spirit to show you the condition of your mind.
“Examine me, O Lord, and try me; test my mind and heart.” Psalm 26:2
2) How is my mind different from an unbeliever’s?
3) Do my outward actions demonstrate what is in my mind?
Pray over your answers to questions 1 and 2. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where your weakness are and if needed, ask forgiveness. Ask for help in setting a plan in place that will allow you to set your mind on things above.
4) What are some small changes I can make to my routine in order to focus on Godly matters? Use your list and ratings above to help you with this. List these changes in order. Start with the first and when it has become habit, move to the second. Continue until list is done.
5) When can I spend ten minutes reading the Bible and praying?
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Meme pictures derived from social media and shared under Fair Use Copyright Law
