“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. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3).

What does it mean to set our minds on things that are above?

There is a lot happening in these verses. I won’t pretend to review everything in a short devotional. But one of the practical implications most certainly has to do with where we are directing our focus and attention. 

Since Christ is at the right hand of God, and since we are in him, we should be working—with God’s help—at directing our focus and attention on God-honouring things.

The things of this world will rust, fade and perish. In contrast, the things of God endure forever. Although we definitely live in this world and have to deal with things like credit card bills, flat tires and difficult people, it serves us well to continually re-centre our hearts and minds on things that are good and which give God glory.

Who are we more closely tethered to? Lost celebrities, or the glorious Christ? Angry politicians, or the glorious Christ? The pursuit of money money money, or the glorious Christ?

When we focus on the glorious Christ, the darkness of the world loses its power and we live more consistently in the joyful radiance of God.

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Notes:

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.