Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2 NIV
Thinking of heaven as we should means intentionally shifting the focus from earthly, temporary worries to eternal, spiritual truths. Here are some practical actionable ways to guide your focus:
Daily Bible study. Read Colossians 3 to deeply understand the context of heavenly focus. Memorize verses like Philippians 4:8 to quickly redirect negative thoughts.
Listen to worship music. Fill your environment with messages that direct your heart to God.
Limit social media and television time. Remove distractions that cause comparison and downward spirals. Engage with wholesome reading material.
Start a gratitude list. Give thanks in everything to immediately counter anxiety and worry.
Pray continually. Converse with God throughout the day instead of saving it for one formal session. Pray for God’s wisdom before making big or small decisions.
Practice silence and stillness. Set aside time to quiet your notifications and devices and just "be" with God.
Worship with others weekly. Participate regularly in local church services and fellowship. God meets with you!
Serve others. Volunteer your time to help bring His Kingdom to earth in practical ways.
Join a small group. Stay with it regularly and long-term. These people will help you stay accountable and encouraged. These are the people who will share heaven with you!
Mentor others and be mentored. Share your spiritual journey and invest in the growth of others. Have friendships where you discuss heavenly-minded things. Invest in intentional, faith-based conversations with peers rather than simply focusing on mundane cultural trends.
Practice gentleness. Let your gentleness be a personal characteristic known in all your interactions. Be the tone-setter.
Clothe yourself in compassion. Put on humility, patience, and kindness in your relationships. Remember, there’s no gossip, cynicism, or judgmentalism in a heavenly mindset. 😊
Let Christ’s peace rule. Allow His peace to be the referee in your heart during stressful moments. Forgive quickly.
Embrace generosity. Give enthusiastically, prioritizing what God prioritizes with your finances. Think eternal investment.
Closely monitor your thought life. Be honest about what consumes your thoughts. Identify when you've slipped into "earthly" thinking, and refocus.
- REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE. You are a deeply loved, chosen, and cherished child of God who is eternal. You are a citizen of heaven right now.