“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:1-2
For those who’ve embraced Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you have indeed been raised to new life in and with Jesus Christ! That glorious reality means that you need to change the focus of your thinking. As important as earthly matters are, your heavenly residence and the Kingdom you have joined is even more important (and more wonderful).
You must set your mind on the things above: the wonders, works, and attributes of God, the beauty and work of Christ, the exaltation of our salvation, the advance of Christ’s Kingdom, the making of disciples, the transforming of your character into Christ’s likeness, and so much more.
That doesn’t mean you should ignore earthly affairs altogether, just that they shouldn’t be the first and last things you think about each day. We’re commanded to provide for our families, so work matters. We’re called to wisely manage the resources God provides to us on His behalf. That includes taking care of our bodies, wisely managing our time, talent, and treasure, and caring for the world around us. We’re called to do the work of God’s Kingdom on earth by being concerned for the poor and vulnerable, working for justice, and proclaiming the Gospel.
However, in all these things, your thoughts, emotions, meditations, and delights must first and foremost be in the heavenly realities in which you participate. This is a wonderful command! In this world full of bad news, discouragement, disease, disability, and death it’s easy to become consumed with thoughts and emotions of deep brokenness. However, setting your mind on the goodness above helps you to rise above this mess below and be increasingly effective for the Lord here on earth. So where is your mind today – above or below?