Therefore, holy brothers, those who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.

Hebrews 3:1

Holy brothers—oh my goodness! Yet that is what we are. We, you and I and those Judean believers, are holy—sacred, pure, blameless by Christ’s atonement (2:17). We are set apart to live as holy, separated from sin, since we confess Jesus as our apostle and high priest. And we share in the heavenly calling: to confess Jesus as apostle and high priest to all who will listen, so they too may be holy. 

However, living out our holiness and heavenly calling is a different matter with all the distractions of this world. There is one way and one way only: fix your thoughts on Jesus! The Greek katanoeo means to “observe fully, discover, perceive.” We need to know Jesus inside and out and live as He would. 

Yes, you and I have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). If we would only fix our thoughts on Him. He is faithful (3:2), worthy (3:3), perfect (5:9), holy, blameless, pure, exalted (7:26). He knows how to live. Plus, He sent the Spirit to help us understand how (John 16:5-15). If only we’d keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

“Follow me” said Jesus (John 21:22). Keep your eyes on me. Fix your mind on me. “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).  

My grandson’s t-shirt read: HWLF. I had to ask; it’s the answer to WWJD. What Would Jesus Do—He Would Love First. After all, that is what Jesus said: “‘Love the Lord your God…’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these” (Matthew 22:37-40). All we do hangs on love. 

And we love because he first loved us (1John 4:19). Love is where it all began, where it all begins, where it thrives, where it shall remain: “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love” (John 15:10). Focus, Fix your thoughts on Jesus. Remain in Him and in His love. Love first. 

Nancy P