Setting our minds on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3:2, is a profound and transformative directive from the Apostle Paul. This verse, nestled within Paul's letter to the Colossians, reads: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." To fully grasp the depth and implications of this command, we must delve into the context, meaning, and practical applications of this exhortation.
Understanding the Context
Paul's letter to the Colossians addresses several key issues within the early Christian community in Colossae, including false teachings that were creeping into the church. These teachings often combined elements of pagan philosophy, Jewish legalism, and mystical spirituality, which threatened to dilute the pure gospel of Christ. Against this backdrop, Paul emphasizes the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in all things.
In Colossians 3, Paul transitions from doctrinal teaching to practical exhortation. He calls believers to live out their new identity in Christ. Verses 1 and 2 set the stage: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Here, Paul is urging believers to align their thoughts and desires with their heavenly identity, rooted in the resurrection and lordship of Jesus Christ.
The Meaning of "Things Above"
To set our minds on "things above" means to focus on the realities of heaven where Christ reigns. This involves a shift in perspective from the temporal to the eternal. It is not a call to disengage from the world but to engage with it through the lens of our heavenly citizenship. Paul is advocating for a mindset that prioritizes spiritual truths over worldly concerns.
Practical Ways to Set Our Minds on Things Above
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Meditate on Scripture: Regular, intentional engagement with the Bible is crucial. Psalms 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we allow God's Word to shape our thoughts and guide our actions. Reflecting on passages that speak of Christ's character, His promises, and our identity in Him helps to realign our focus.
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Prayer and Communion with God: Prayer is a vital practice for setting our minds on things above. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Through prayer, we communicate with God, express our dependence on Him, and seek His perspective on our lives.
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Worship and Praise: Worship lifts our eyes from our circumstances to God's greatness. Whether through singing, listening to worship music, or simply expressing gratitude, worship helps to reorient our hearts toward God's majesty and love. Hebrews 13:15 reminds us, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name."
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Fellowship with Believers: Engaging in meaningful relationships with other Christians encourages us to keep our focus on Christ. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Community helps us to stay accountable and provides a support system for spiritual growth.
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Service and Mission: Serving others in the name of Christ directs our attention to eternal values. Jesus taught in Matthew 25:40, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Acts of service and mission work remind us of our purpose and calling as followers of Christ and help us to focus on His kingdom rather than our own comfort.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
It is important to acknowledge the role of the Holy Spirit in setting our minds on things above. Romans 8:5-6 explains, "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." The Holy Spirit empowers us to live according to God's will, transforming our thoughts and desires to align with His.
Overcoming Earthly Distractions
Paul's admonition also includes a warning against setting our minds on "earthly things." This does not mean we should neglect our responsibilities or the beauty of God's creation, but rather, we should guard against allowing worldly concerns to dominate our thoughts. Earthly distractions can include materialism, the pursuit of pleasure, and the cares of daily life. Jesus addressed this in Matthew 6:19-21: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Living Out Our Heavenly Identity
Setting our minds on things above is intrinsically linked to living out our new identity in Christ. Colossians 3:3-4 continues, "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." Our old self, with its earthly desires, has been crucified with Christ, and we are now called to live as new creations. This involves putting to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature (Colossians 3:5) and clothing ourselves with virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12).
The Eternal Perspective
Finally, setting our minds on things above involves cultivating an eternal perspective. This means recognizing that our time on earth is temporary and that our true home is with Christ in eternity. Paul eloquently captures this in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." By focusing on the eternal, we can endure hardships and trials with hope, knowing that our ultimate reward is in heaven.
In conclusion, setting our minds on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3:2, is a multifaceted endeavor that involves intentional engagement with Scripture, prayer, worship, fellowship, and service. It requires the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and a conscious effort to overcome earthly distractions. By living out our new identity in Christ and cultivating an eternal perspective, we can align our thoughts and desires with the realities of heaven, where Christ reigns supreme. This transformative mindset not only shapes our daily lives but also prepares us for the eternal glory that awaits us with our Savior.
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