Write Your Own Headlines

Write Your Own Headlines

Scripture References

Primary text

• Colossians 3:1-3

Other references

• Numbers 13:32
• Philippians 1:12
• Philippians 1:14

Overview

The message centers on Colossians 3:1-3: because we have been raised with Christ, we are told to set our hearts and minds on things above. Pastor Craig shows that while we cannot always change hard circumstances, with God’s help we can change our perspective. Using the image of “headlines,” he invites listeners to let God rewrite the narrative over every situation, replacing fear-filled news with faith-filled truth. The practical tool offered is simple: practice cognitive reframing by writing your own, God-shaped headlines.

Context

For 18–20 months the world has been bombarded with fearful headlines—from COVID-19 to racial tension to political division. Not only are many headlines negative, some are inaccurate or even comical. Against that backdrop, the sermon introduces the idea of crafting truthful, hope-giving headlines for our own lives.

Main Points

Set Your Mind Above

• Colossians 3 commands believers to “set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.”
• Earthly headlines focus on the temporary; heavenly headlines focus on what lasts.
• Reorienting the mind is an act of obedience and a pathway to peace.

“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.”

Not All Headlines Are True

• Historical misprints: “Titanic Sinking—No Lives Lost,” “Dewey Defeats Truman.”
• Humorous modern examples: “Hospitals Resort to Hiring Doctors,” “Woman Accidentally Joins Search Party Looking for Herself.”

• Illustration: The absurdity of inaccurate headlines shows how easily perspectives can be shaped by untruths.

You Can’t Change Every Circumstance, But You Can Change Your Perspective

“You can’t always change your circumstances, but you can change your perspective.”

• Biblical case study: Twelve spies view Canaan (Numbers 13).
  • Joshua & Caleb’s headline: “God Is With Us; Land Flows With Milk and Honey.”
  • Other spies’ headline: “Danger Lurks; Land Devours Its Inhabitants.”
• Paul in Roman prison (Philippians 1:12,14).
  • Possible media headline: “Apostle Paul Awaits Execution—Christianity Doomed.”
  • Paul’s Spirit-led headline: “Roman Plan Backfires—Apostle Paul Preaches to a Captive Audience.”

The Tool: Cognitive Reframing

• Defined: intentionally shifting the way you view a situation or relationship to a positive, truthful perspective.
• Counselors use it; Scripture commands it; God empowers it.
• Reframing is not denial of reality but assigning God-honoring meaning within reality.

Real-Life Stories & Headlines

• Story: Man in deep crisis meets pastor; pastor lists what is still true—marriage intact, job secure, faith present—revealing opportunities rather than hopelessness.
• Story: Long Kansas drive—Craig sees monotony; Amy sees wildflowers.
  • Headline options: “Endless, Boring Highway” vs. “Beautiful Fields of Yellow Flowers.”
• Story: Craig’s father facing possible death.
  • Headline in faith: “Man Transformed by Jesus Prepares for Heavenly Reward.”
  • Updated headline after good report: “Old Ballplayer Gets Extra Innings.”

Practicing God-Written Headlines

• Look for God’s grace (“flowers”) in every landscape.
• Let Scripture, not culture, title your story.
• Sample faith headlines offered:
  • “Teen Asks for Help—Healing From Addiction Begins.”
  • “Hurting Woman Cries Out—Finds Freedom in Forgiveness.”
  • “Church Member Starts Serving—Ends Up Changed Herself.”
  • “Life-Group Rallies—Trusts God for Cancer Miracle.”

Key Truths

• Setting the mind on things above recalibrates the heart below.
• Headlines shape emotions; truth must shape headlines.
• God can bring purpose out of pain when we surrender the narrative to Him.
• Cognitive reframing is a biblical practice that renews the mind.
• If you are not dead, God is not done—your current line is not the final headline.

Response

• Refuse passive consumption of fearful news; actively write faith-filled headlines.
• Rehearse Colossians 3 daily: set mind and heart on eternal things.
• Identify one troubling situation and draft a new headline that reflects God’s truth.
• Share your headline with a trusted friend or life-group for accountability and prayer.
• Look for “flowers” today—thank God aloud for every glimpse of grace.

Closing

The world will keep publishing fear, but followers of Christ are not defined by external headlines. We replace temporary, anxiety-producing titles with eternal, hope-infused truth. Though “hard-pressed on every side,” we are “not crushed,” because the risen Jesus writes our story.

“Where you are today does not determine where you can be tomorrow.”

Prayer

Father, for everyone facing real trials, renew our minds. Help us see what You are doing in the middle of what we cannot change. Shift our gaze from earth to heaven, from fear to faith. Give us courage to speak new headlines over our lives, marriages, health, finances, and ministries—headlines that proclaim Your presence, power, and unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Resources

• Craig Groeschel, “Winning the War in Your Mind” (book)