Colossians 3, Set Your Mind On Things Above

When was the last time you stopped doing something just to set your mind on things above? The apostle Paul precisely told us to do that in Colossians 3.

I know for most of us, our calendars bulge with daily activities. In fact, some of you won’t read past this second paragraph because your schedule won’t allow time for it.

For the next few moments, though, take your mind off your worries of today and concerns for tomorrow. Use those moments to meditate on Colossians 3 by giving it your full attention.

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Colossians 3:1

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Sometimes, we forget about the realities of heaven. I recently wrote an article about the Throne Room in Heaven. The Apostle Paul told us to point our sights toward that setting.

Think about our time spent on this earth compared to living forever in heaven. Life on earth measures less than a drop in a bucket when you think about our eternal home.

I don’t think Paul meant for us to keep our heads in the clouds, so we’re no earthly good. But, remember, everything Jesus did when He walked on the earth, He did for us.

Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2-3

The Apostle Paul Encouraged Christians

The apostle wrote these words to Christians. Why? So they don’t allow themselves to get bogged down with the cares of this world. You know, things that take our attention from the Lord.

In the following verses, Paul told us how to set our minds on the things of heaven. He said we must stop doing the sinful things like we did before we met Christ.

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Colossians 3:5

What stuck out to you in that verse? Probably the things you should have nothing to do with. The word “lurking” caught my attention when I read it, so I looked up its meaning.

It means to lie in wait in a place of concealment, especially for an evil purpose. Just like someone hiding in the shadows, ready to attack, we have earthy desires hiding within us. Paul continued.

Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. Colossians 3:6

Don’t we usually think about food when the word greed comes up? And we can idolize food. God’s anger will come because of our greed for things of this world we enjoy worshiping.

Paul continued with another list of sins that he warned us to get rid of. This warning, however, came with urgency when he said, “Now is the time.”

Follow these Steps in Colossians 3

But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Colossians 3:8-9

I understand the difficulty of giving up some of the things we did before we accepted Jesus. But God has never hung us out to dry. He realizes the strongholds sin can have on our nature.

So, the Lord sent us the Holy Spirit. He helps us become more like Christ and increases our knowledge of our Creator.

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Colossians 3:10-11

Life in Christ gives us a new nature, helping us to see ourselves and others differently. God made the new nature available to all, including you, no matter your nationality, race, or social standing.

But keep in mind He also includes others from different settings as well. Then Paul instructed us with a mini-lesson on the Fruit of the Spirit.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

We haven’t gotten away from setting our minds on things above. These verses steer away from our worries, which usually focus on others. Paul said, forgive them as Christ forgave you.

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13

The Glue That Binds Us Together

After these wonderful verses of exhortation, Paul left us with two more valuable and important points. First, let me ask you, how do you glue two pieces of something together?

You apply the glue, then hold or clamp the two pieces until the glue sets. The next verse talks about the glue that binds us together.

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14

With love setting deep into our hearts, Paul said let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. As these things work together, it opens up the way for us to stop and think about things above.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Lord, as I take a deep breath, help me think about the things of heaven. Also, I want to see how my real life is hidden with Christ in you, oh Lord.

Check out these other posts about heaven.