Before each shot I hit on the golf course, I do a variety of things. These things have nothing to do with mechanics: my swing, my posture and my tempo. Rather, it has to do with my mind.

I try to visualize the shot, envisioning the ball flying on a perfect dotted line toward my particular target. This fuels my subconscious with confidence that strengthens my chances of hitting it well.

Sometimes, however, other thoughts poison my subconscious, like reliving a previous deplorable chip two holes before. Those negative thoughts welcome tension, nervousness, and fear into my body and interfere with my performance. To counter those negative thoughts, it’s crucial to set my mind on the past chips I’ve hit well, envision the way I want this particular shot to look. Other thoughts try to invade the subconscious, but it’s critical to focus on the positive.

In Colossians 3:1-2, Paul applies this concept to our spiritual lives. The negative things of this world try to deter our focus on Christ, and we are inclined to wander from God. But we must set our minds on things that are above, not the things of this earth. If we set our minds on Christ, continually dwelling on His goodness and fueling our minds with God-honoring things, we will be able to live out the Christian life.

Romans 8:6-8 states: “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot plea se God.”

Just like the golf swing, execution for the Christian life starts in the mind. Then, we execute it.

For a great ministry handout, order our Training Table To Go by clicking here.