If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1 NKJV 

There is a mean prank golfers will play on their opponents when they are encountering water on the course. They will warn them about the water. “Don’t go in the water.” Don’t let that water bother you.” They will even keep repeating, “Don’t think about the water.”

Photo by Johnny Such on Unsplash

Sounds like genuine concern, but in reality, by repeatedly mentioning the water, they are hoping the water will be fixed in their opponent’s mind, thus making them hit into the water. 

Satan does the same thing with us. “You really messed up yesterday when you smoked that cigarette. Don’t smoke that cigarette today. How long has it been now since your last cigarette?” And just like a golfer hitting into the water because he had water on his mind, so the smoker falls back into smoking because she has smoking on her mind. 

While a golfer needs to be aware of his surroundings, he needs to have his eyes and mind focused on the green. Sure, I may be focused on the green and still accidentally hit into the water. That is where forgiveness comes in. 

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT

However, I have never ever hit the green while looking at and thinking about the water in the way. I only hit the green when I am thinking about the green. So, may I suggest instead of thinking about what you are not going to do, think about what you are going to do. Instead of dwelling on not doing unhealthy things, think and plan to do healthy things. Today, I am going to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. I am going to drink plenty of water. Instead of constantly thinking about avoiding inappropriate forms of entertainment you are trying to avoid, think about all the good things you plan to do, like studying your Bible, reading your Sabbath School lesson, and writing that thank-you letter to your friend.

The goal is not to dwell on our past failures and sins, but to dwell on Jesus. This is why Paul tells us, 

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 NLT

This is also why it is good to cultivate the habit of speaking well of others and seeing the good in them, rather than faultfinding. 

You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. Romans 2:1 NLT

Years ago, a married couple joined my church during a Revelation Seminar. They brought their neighbor, who also joined the church. The married couple told me that their neighbor was phony and would probably leave the church in just a few months. Well, just a few months later the married couple were gone. Years later, the neighbor is still in the church and is even an elder now. I came to realize that when people are talking negatively about others, they are often talking about themselves. We emulate what we look for in others, whether it be good or bad.

Instead of looking at the water traps on the golf course, let’s keep our eyes on the green. Instead of constantly dwelling on our sins and the sins of others, let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and His Righteousness.  

You may study this week’s Sabbath School lesson here.