What Are You Thinking?

Jim Bucklew
Written By Jeff Rybacki
 
“From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
— Matthew 16:21-23 (ESV)

Ouch! What a stinging rebuke of Peter by Jesus. This is Peter – who along with James and John were members of Jesus’ closest, inner circle! This is the same Peter that was just celebrated a few verses earlier in chapter 16 for having been given a clear revelation from God that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:13-20). And now he is being equated with Satan! 

It is obvious from all four of the Gospel accounts that Peter was very close to Jesus. They not only had a disciple/teacher relationship, but they also had a deep friendship. Peter was with him during his transfiguration (Mt 17:1-8). It was Peter who trusted him enough to step out of the boat and momentarily walk on water (Mt 14:22-33). And it was Peter who cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant in an attempt to protect Jesus on the night he was betrayed (Jn 18:10-11). So, the intensity of Jesus’ rebuke here, indicates that this was/is something that he takes very seriously. This was not buddy-buddy joking around. 

And that last line: “For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man,” is rather convicting. How often would Jesus be completely justified saying that very same thing to me? How often am I thinking, “I wonder which streaming series episodes to watch tonight,” instead of, “Who can I take time to pray for, right now?” How often am I distracted and frustrated by the political news of the day rather than stopping to ponder God’s sovereignty over all things? How often am I focused on a minor, temporary inconvenience instead of taking those moments to thank God for the countless blessings he bestows upon me each day?  How often do I get so caught up in my work that I am blinded to an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus, or minister to a coworker with a word of encouragement or a sympathetic ear? How often am I focused on my “to do” list (a taskmaster which never seems to be satisfied) rather than taking time to sit quietly with him, allowing him to speak to me through his word?

And we wonder why we are exhausted and “stressed out” and numb.

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. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:5-6 (ESV)

Speaking of “enemies of the cross of Christ,” Paul writes: “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” (Php 3:19)

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Colossians 3:2 (ESV)

You might ask, “But what do I do when life just keeps slapping me in the face with demand after demand, trial after trial, worry after worry?” “What do I do when the ‘tyranny of the urgent’ consumes my time and thoughts?” I get it. I am not unfamiliar with those experiences and/or feelings. But that is exactly where the enemy of our souls wants us – totally distracted with our eyes off of God and the things of his Kingdom. Paul warns us in 1 Peter 5:8, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 

So, what do we do? We “resist him” (our enemy), as Peter encourages us to do in the very next verse (9). We may not be able to control our circumstances, but we have absolute control over how we respond to them. There is no earthly power whatsoever that can keep us from praying, praising and petitioning our great God at any moment of the day. He doesn’t have office hours. He is always listening. 

And even if we’re not in the midst of a crisis or trial, we do well to intentionally take time to keep our thoughts centered on him. As Jesus was discussing with his disciples a list of things that we tend to worry about and fret over, he instructed them (and us) by saying, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (see Matthew 6:25-34) A great way to “seek him” is to prayerfully spend time in his word.

Another good way to get our mind on the “Kingdom” plane is to pray for others. Pray for those who are sick. Pray for those who are lost and need Jesus. Pray for those who are struggling with addiction. Pray for those who are mourning, who have lost jobs, who are struggling financially. Pray for neighbors, coworkers, family members, leaders, our nation, etc. “Pray without ceasing…” (1 Th 5:17)

Perhaps we need to enlarge our view of God. Read Job chapters 38-41. Read the Psalms.

Distracted by petty inconveniences? – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1Th 5:18)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we confess that we are easily distracted by the things and worries of this world. We are prone to wander into doubts and fears, as well as apathy and selfishness. We often let the world’s “urgent” demands take precedence over the things you would have us do or think about. Please forgive us and help us to keep our eyes fixed upon you. Help us to trust you to supply our every need. Help us to trust your sovereignty over all matters, and help us to approach you with grateful hearts every day. Amen.

 
Jeff Rybacki
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