Set Your Mind on Him

Matthew 16:23

“But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Reflections

In Matthew 16, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the upcoming persecution, His imminent death on the cross, and His resurrection. Peter, disturbed by this, pulls Jesus aside and insists this should never happen (v. 22). But Jesus rebukes him, saying, “You are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man” (v. 23).

Isn’t it often the same in our trauma and pain? We think we know the plan, and when life unfolds differently, we begin to tell God how it should be. This moment between Jesus and Peter reminds us to do exactly what Jesus instructed: Be mindful of the things of God.

Scripture speaks frequently about the importance of our thoughts. In 1 Peter alone, Peter urges us three times to be present and alert in our thinking: “prepare your minds for action, be sober-minded” (1:13); “be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers” (4:7); and “be sober-minded; be watchful” (5:8).

We are not just to be mindful, but to direct our thoughts toward what is true. We are told to set our minds on things above, where Christ is seated (Colossians 3:1–4), and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, not conforming to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2).

Philippians 4:8 exhorts us to meditate on whatever is noble, just, pure, lovely, commendable, virtuous, and praiseworthy. Even those far from God are urged to forsake their thoughts and turn to the Lord (Isaiah 55:7).

God knows our thoughts (Psalm 139:1–2). His Word penetrates even to the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). And our thoughts are not neutral—Scripture reminds us that our minds are a battlefield. There is a spiritual war being waged between the flesh and the Spirit (Romans 8:5; Ephesians 6:12). That’s why we’re told to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

So why does the Bible emphasize our thought life, especially in 1 Peter? Because Peter understood that our adversary, the devil, “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus knew Peter would face temptation and opposition, and He knew the enemy would try to use Peter’s misguided thinking to hinder God’s plan. That’s why Jesus lovingly but firmly corrected Peter’s perspective.

If the God of the universe was concerned with Peter’s thoughts and Satan’s attempts to distort them, how much more should we be mindful of our own thought life? As we learn to surrender our expectations and focus on God’s purposes, His peace will guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).

Are your thoughts set on the things of God, or are you still fighting for the plan you thought was perfect?

Prayer

Lord, focus my mind on You and Your ways. Help me to set my thoughts on what is true and eternal, not on my fears, failures, or unmet expectations. Restrain the enemy in his attempts to distract, deceive, or destroy me—or my witness for You. Guard my heart and mind with Your peace, and help me walk in the power of Your Spirit today. Amen.