Our sons John (age 6) and Jeremiah (age almost 4) love to play. From the moment they wake up in the morning until the moment we tuck them into bed, they are consumed with play. When they are not actually playing…..they are thinking about play. Of course, this “play” mindset is realized in a number of different ways. They play with their toys, they play with one another, they play outside, they play with other friends, and they even play with their older sisters.

You are probably not surprised by this – they could be classified as typical boys, especially for their age. We might add that this desire for play is healthy and can even stimulate growth and development. Now, I have to qualify this because they are not always able to satisfy their appetite for play (Mom and Dad have something to do with this). But when they have the opportunity to play, it’s always a no-brainer….they play. It’s safe to say that this desire totally dominates their lives.

As I pondered this all-consuming desire in my boys, it got me thinking. What should consume us as Christians? Where should our minds be set? Not surprisingly, Scripture gives us insight into these questions. Consider the following verses:

Colossians 3:1-2:“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 minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Romans 8:5: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”

Philippians 4:8-9: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

In contrast, Paul says that those who are enemies of the cross have their minds set on earthly things (Philippians 3:18-19). One Biblical example is Demas, who is mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:10. Paul explains that he “loved this present world” and ended up deserting the great apostle.

Just to summarize, there is a Christian way to think. We should have our minds set on heaven, the Lord Jesus, the Spirit, and things that are noble and worthy of praise. To set our minds on “earthly things” will only lead us in the wrong direction, and not in the direction of deeper intimacy with Christ.

Another passage that deals with this subject is Mark 7:21-23 where Jesus says, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” This verse well describes the fruit of the unredeemed soul. These “evil thoughts” eventually lead to the catalogue of sins mentioned here and even more. But for the one who is in right relationship with Christ, slowly but surely, their minds and their hearts begin to reflect the heart of God. This is what we should be striving for.

When was the last time you took inventory of your thought life? If you do this honestly and soberly, it will be a painful experience. The number of thoughts and go through our minds each day is staggering. If all those thoughts were somehow broadcast for everyone else to see, I am sure they would embarrass us. But remember, the goal is for our thoughts to increasingly reflect God’s thoughts. We will not reach sinless perfection this side of heaven (Philippians 3:12), but we can grow and mature in our faith. Clearly, we need God’s grace and power in this endeavor (James 4:6) but there is hope. Change is possible!

My counsel is to look to Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), the One who never had a bad thought in his earthly life. His consuming passion was to bring glory to His Heavenly Father and live in obedience to His will. You will fail as you strive to progress in your sanctification, but look to the One who has never failed, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will give you grace in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16).