The things that are most important to us are the things that take up most of our attention. Often we think about those important things to the point that we have very little time left to think about other things. They are crowded right out of our minds. If we are thinking about the right things then this is good. In Colossians 3:2 the apostle Paul said, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” If we will set our minds on things above, spiritual things, it will keep us from focusing our minds on earthly things, and it will help us to keep things in proper perspective. As the Hebrew writer said, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have…” (Hebrews 13:5). We receive the same admonition in 1 Timothy 6:6-8. “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” Focusing our attention on worldly things can also lead to envying others, feeling displeasure at what others possess or accomplish. In Galatians 5 Paul lists envy as one of the works of the flesh (vs 21) and warns us, “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” (vs 26). In James 3:13-17 we read, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” Keeping a spiritual focus can also help us to keep bad things that may happen to us in proper perspective, much as the apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:10-13, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Setting our minds on things above also reminds us of the temporary nature of this world and all that is in it. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).