I have set my heart upon many things. Some noble – some not so noble. Setting the heart and mind involves action and intentionality. According to Mirriam-Webster’s dictionary, to set is “to put (something) in a place or position.”
Speaking of noble – apparently our noble fir Christmas tree was not set right within its stand. As I was sitting peacefully on the couch last week with a cup of coffee in one hand and my Bible in the other, the tree came toppling down – sap, water and ornaments with it. I had just thought to myself how beautiful the tree and decorations were and how quiet the morning seemed after a busy few weeks. Within seconds I was on my hands and knees picking up broken glass and trying to get my husband on the cell phone. Needless to say, we bought a sturdier stand and made certain the tree was set securely in its place.
Where am I setting – placing and positioning – my heart? Where are you setting your heart? A choice is made. An action is taken. Setting is intentional. What is chosen today matters tomorrow. Things will either stand firm or come crashing down. No pun intended!
My husband and I celebrated 25 years of marriage last month. Over the course of these years I have taken my wedding ring in to have the setting of the diamond checked. From time to time the prongs have been tightened or reworked in order to keep the diamond from falling out of its setting.
We must keep an eye on the setting of our hearts. Guard. Keep. Watch. Set.
“Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.”
Proverbs 4:23
We are sojourners on this earth, this is not our permanent dwelling. There will be a day when all is set right. No more war. No more death. No more sickness. No more struggle. No more tears. But, until that time comes, we must look heavenward. Not in denial of today but in joyful expectation of Jesus coming again and setting things right.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:1-2
In the New Testament Lexical Aids set your hearts on is defined: “to look for, seek out, try to obtain, desire to possess, strive for.” Set your minds on is defined: “to think, have a mindset, be mindful of, be devoted to.” Both involve the will, affections and emotions.
The heart and mind must both be set on the same course resulting in the congruency of our actions. What are you and I looking for? Seeking out? Trying to obtain? Devoted to?
The writer of Hebrews chose similar wording:
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2)
“Fix your thoughts on Jesus” (Hebrews 3:1).
Just like a giraffe has a higher view than the other animals, we as believers must have a higher perspective than the culture around us. When our hearts, minds, eyes and thoughts are set to heaven’s view we not only learn to encourage others but ourselves as well. The Bible is full of examples of men and women whose lives were set on things above.
Throughout the Psalms we see how David encouraged himself in the Lord.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2
Acts 7:55 gives the account of Stephen, the first martyr, who looked up toward heaven and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. In the midst of horrible circumstances Stephen’s heart and mind were set on higher things that nothing or no one could take away.
Daniel 1:8 tells of Daniel’s resolve not to defile himself. He purposed in his heart not to sin. He firmly and intentionally set his heart upon his conduct.
Ruth left the comforts of her hometown to go with her mother-in-law who promised her nothing but Ruth had firmly set her heart on Naomi’s God.
“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God.”
Ruth 1:16
Moses left a life of luxury because his eyes were set on heavenly treasure.
“By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
Hebrews 11:24-26
May we be found with our eyes lifted toward heaven, our hearts and minds set on things above – looking ahead to our reward. Let’s not wait until the new year. Let’s end this year well. Let’s set things right now!
“My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.”
Psalm 119:112
