Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. (Heb. 3:1)
Expanded Passage: Hebrews 3:1-19
In the 1980s, a drug prevention program, Project Charlie, was introduced into the Texas fifth-grade curriculum. Based on self-esteem building, the theory was that if children have a good self-image, they will be better equipped to resist drug and alcohol temptations. The idea: you are what you think. A lot of time was spent on positive affirmations and changing negative thought patterns, especially in those who came from unstable home environments.
This is not a new concept. The Bible has been teaching this principle for years. But instead of self-esteem affirmations, we as children of God are taught to fix our thoughts on Jesus. God knew what he was doing. By keeping our thoughts on the One who is salt and light, who submitted himself to the will of the Father, serving him as a sacrifice for our sins, we, in time, can develop the character traits—called the fruit of the Spirit—of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The Bible is clear. This is our calling, our task, our assignment. As we set aside our flesh, as we fix our thoughts on Jesus, we become more Christlike. In time, others are drawn to the body of believers and most importantly to him, as we confess Jesus with our mouths and our actions.
Change your thoughts by spending more time in the Word.
M. Norman previously served as a writer for Light from the Word.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
