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Set Your Mind on Things Above

Colossians 3:1-4

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At the end of the second chapter of Colossians, Paul talks about the futility of being able to control our passions with law or rules. No matter how comprehensive the rule set, they do not change a person. And it will have minimal value in restraining our sensual natures. Fortunately, he does go on from there to share with us how we can be transformed. It’s a matter of focus. It’s a matter of setting our minds on things above.

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. 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.

Colossians 3:1-4 NIV.

Hidden With Christ

In this passage, Paul tells us two very important things. The first deals with our position. We have died and then been raised with Christ. And we are now hidden with Christ in God. While I physically continue to live on this earth; and am subject to all of its pleasures, temptations, and struggles; there is another part of me. That part is tightly connected to Christ, and where he is, I am also. Christ is described as seated at the right hand of God. And my life is hidden with Christ in God. While my flesh is still here, my spirit is already with God in heaven.

Watch Your Focus

The second thing has to do with my focus. I have been raised and seated with Christ. Consequently, I need to set my heart and mind on things above, where Christ is, and where I am. Rather than focusing on what this world has to offer, I should be thinking about life in the kingdom and valuing the things of God.

And if I will focus my heart and mind on the things above, then the appeal of the things in this life will be diminished. I will have no need for a legalistic rule list to tell me what I should or should not do. Instead, I will begin to naturally live in a way that honors God; loving him as well as those around me. Changing my focus from this temporary world to the real one, the world that is eternal and is my real home will make a dramatic difference in who I am and in how I live.

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Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

2 thoughts on “Set Your Mind on Things Above – Colossians3:1-4”

  1. Yes I agree we need to focus Christ set our hearts and mind on things above not on this because it will GO Away and also need surrender both our supernatural senses and physical to GOD ALMIGHTY because THE SAME GOD CREATED HEAVEN EARTH CREATED US SO ALL HONOR GLORY POWER PRAISE WORSHIP BELONGS TO GOD ALMIGHTY ALONE

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