Our daily lives are filled with endless distractions and earthly demands. Between managing responsibilities, navigating challenges, and handling the constant noise of the world around us, it is easy for our attention to become grounded in temporary things. We allow the noise of the world to shape our lives. Our desires become absorbed with our own earthly agenda. We script everything from our work to our worship. When things do not go as planned, we become depressed and anxious. We blame God for our failures and forget to praise Him for our success. We forget that He is in control. We have set our minds on the things of the world, not the things of God. God says, “Set your minds on things above.”
In Colossians 3:1, Paul calls us to a fundamental shift in perspective. To be “raised with Christ” means our old way of viewing life no longer defines us. It is who we were, not who we are. Our true life, identity, and security now rest with Christ. This does not mean we should ignore the things that need to be done. Paul doesn’t ask us to ignore our daily duties, but rather to change our orientation—shifting our mindset from the fleeting conditions of this world to the eternal realities of God’s kingdom.
Colossians 3:1-2 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Paul is teaching us to set our minds on things above, to look for God’s design and purpose for us in each situation. This should be an intentional daily choice. We are to filter our choices, attitudes, and responses through the truth of who God is and who we are in Him. Every area of our lives should be a reflection of Him. When our boys were growing up, I often reminded them that they not only represent themselves with the decisions they make, but it is a reflection on us as their parents, on their church where they attend, but most of all on Jesus who saved them. The world gets a warped picture of who God is because we are inconsistent in our walk with Him.
We must remember what Jesus has done for us and keep obedience at the forefront of our minds. He is our true hope, and when earthly pressures weigh heavy on us, we must remember where our future resides.
As we think about these verses, what earthly worries or distractions are taking up the most space in our minds? They may not be bad things, but if they keep us from keeping the main thing the main thing, then they are wrong. When the things in themselves are not wrong, we need to rearrange our plans and get our priorities straight.
Today, ask God to help you take one practical step to fix your thoughts on God’s eternal promises. Start by thanking Him for the new life you have in Him. No matter how long we have been a Christian, reflecting on what God has done for us should always make us grateful. When we anchor our thoughts in Him and shift our perspective from what is temporary to what is eternal, we will find peace as we set our minds on things above. Just like a runner throws off everything that can weigh him down, we too must slough off things that hinder our progress. The only one hindering our progress is us.
