Focus Your Mind on the Right Things
By Rick Warren
“Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying”(Hebrews 12:3 NCV).
For mental health, you must focus your mind on the right things — including these three specific things.
1. Think about Jesus.
You’ve likely heard the saying, “You become what you think about most.” If you want to become more like Jesus, fill your thoughts with him.
Hebrews 12:3 says, “Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying”(NCV).
2. Think about others.
The Bible says in Philippians 2:4, “Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing”(TLB).
Do you realize how countercultural that is? Everything in the world teaches you to think about yourself and nobody else. But Jesus was countercultural, and when you think about him, you’ll more easily think of others.
3. Think about eternity.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him”(1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT). When you start focusing on truths like that, all of your problems are going to seem inferior compared to the glory, the joy, and the pleasure of the things you have to look forward to in eternity.
Your mind is your greatest asset and also the greatest battleground. Ask God to help you make the choice every day to feed on God’s Word, free your mind of destructive thoughts, and fill your mind with Jesus, others, and eternity. Then, you’ll have won the battle.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>
Talk It Over
What are some ways you can practice Philippians 2:4 in your small group this week? What about in your family?
How will thinking about Jesus and eternity help you think about others?
What is your biggest distraction from focusing on eternity throughout your day? How can you limit that distraction?
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Discover God’s power to change your life!
God is all about changing lives. He can help you through any struggle you’re facing, and take you from where you are to where you want to be.
In God’s Power to Change Your Life, Rick Warren lays the groundwork for personal transformation, offering biblical insights on what it takes to...
• Become more loving
• Live more peacefully
• Develop patience
• Have self-control
So please request your copy of God’s Power to Change Your Life below. It’s our gift to thank you for your financial support to help more people discover the hope of Christ!
This devotional © 2017 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.