"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." – Colossians 3:2
"Although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him..." – Romans 1:21
I recently watched a video that stirred something deep in me. It highlighted the tension many believers feel: how do we stay aware of what’s happening in the world without becoming consumed by it?
Scripture holds this tension beautifully.
Romans 1 acknowledges the sobering reality of a fallen and depraved world. It doesn’t ignore darkness. It names it.
Colossians 3:2 commands us to set our minds on things above.
So which is it?
The answer is not either/or. It’s discipline.
We don’t have to choose between being informed and being faithful. We simply have to guard our mental real estate.
We study the fallen state of humanity only enough to fuel our intercession.
But we dwell in the Presence of God to fuel our life.
If our gaze remains fixed on darkness, it will shape our spirit. But if our gaze is on Christ, the darkness becomes something we pray through—not something we absorb.
The balance lies in our why.
We don’t look at injustice to dwell there. We look to know how to pray for justice.
We don’t stay informed to feed anxiety. We stay informed to fuel compassion.
We don’t immerse ourselves in chaos. We anchor ourselves in Christ.
Gaze at Christ. Glance at the world.
When our primary focus is Him, information no longer steals our peace. It simply sharpens our prayers.
Reflection Questions:
- What currently occupies most of your mental real estate?
- Is your exposure to the world fueling anxiety or intercession?
- What would it look like to intentionally dwell more deeply in God’s presence this week?
Prayer:
Lord, guard my mind and anchor my heart. Teach me to be aware without being overwhelmed. Let my knowledge of the world fuel prayer, not panic. Fix my gaze on Christ so that my peace remains rooted in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
