Setting My Heart on What Matters Most
Evening Scripture
Colossians, Chapter 3
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
Evening Reflection
In the gospels, we see it presented many times: in Christ, we are set free and made new. We are given a new life and a new name, purchased by the blood of Christ, Child of God. In this new life, we are called to now seek the things that are of God and find where He is seated. Which means you will not find value and satisfaction in the things of this world. We are to turn away from what once enslaved us and live in the glory of what God has redeemed, with a refreshed spirit in Jesus' name.
Colossians 3 reminds us that as we put off the things that are not pleasing to God and convict our spirit, we are to put on love. Knowing that it is his love, now living in us, that binds everything together in perfect harmony. This perfect harmony looks like the peace of Christ ruling and reigning in our hearts. It’s being thankful for the testimony of His faithfulness in every season of our lives.
We are promised that if we allow, the Word of God will dwell in us richly, teaching and admonishing us, and being used to build up others. Wherever you find yourself this evening, in a valley or a season of great joy, keep clinging to Jesus, His Word, and His ways. Sing His songs, rejoice in His small works in your life. Do all things in the name of the Lord for the Lord.
Evening Reflection
Father,
Would you cover me in your peace tonight? Remind me to seek the things that are of you and where you are. Keep my heart steadied by your Word and set my feet on the path of your truth. Bind my heart together in your love and rid me of all unrighteousness. Convict me of what I need to put off and pour out a fresh flow of your grace.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.
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Originally published Sunday, 16 August 2026.
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