“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” – Colossians 3:2 (KJV)
LIGHT FOR NOW: The mind of Christ learns to view earthly life through the reality of Christ’s reign and our new life in Him. We live responsibly on earth, but our values, priorities, and decisions are shaped by heavenly truth rather than merely by temporary interests.
Where we direct our minds influences what we value, pursue, and become. When our attention is consumed by possessions, status, competition, and temporary pleasures, these things can gradually become the standards by which we measure our lives. But when our minds are set on Christ and the realities of His kingdom, our priorities begin to change. We learn to value what God values and pursue what has eternal significance.
Paul writes in Colossians 3:1–2 that since believers have been raised with Christ, they should seek the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. The instruction is grounded in an accomplished reality: we seek the things above because we have been raised with Christ, not to earn a place with Him. Our pursuit flows from our identity.
The Greek expression translated “set your affection” is phroneo, the same word family we encountered in Philippians 2:5, where Paul says to have the mind that was in Christ Jesus. It refers to one’s mindset, attitude, or way of thinking. Paul is not merely instructing us to think about heaven occasionally. He is calling us to adopt an outlook shaped by Christ’s rule, God’s purposes, and the values of the life we have received in Him.
What, then, are “things above”? Paul immediately directs our attention to Christ, who is seated at God’s right hand. In the following verses, he speaks about putting to death sinful practices and putting away anger, malice, slander, and corrupt speech (Colossians 3:5–8). Later, he calls believers to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love (Colossians 3:12–14). Therefore, setting our minds above is not an escape from practical life; it changes how we live practical life.
Consider how this affects ambition. There is nothing inherently wrong with pursuing education, developing professional skills, building a business, or planning for the future. The question is what governs those pursuits. Are we driven by greed, pride, and the desire to prove our superiority, or are we pursuing excellence with integrity, responsibility, and love? Heavenly-mindedness does not make us careless about earthly responsibilities. It teaches us to fulfill them under the lordship of Christ.
The same principle applies to relationships. When our minds are dominated by comparison, we struggle to celebrate another person’s progress. When we are governed by the values of Christ, we can honour others without feeling diminished, forgive without pretending wrongdoing was acceptable, and pursue reconciliation where it is wise and possible. Our attention shifts from protecting our ego to expressing the character of Christ.
Paul also reminds us in Colossians 3:3 that our life is hidden with Christ in God. This means our deepest identity is anchored in Christ, not in changing public opinion, possessions, achievements, or temporary disappointments. These earthly realities may matter, but they cannot become the ultimate definition of who we are. When Christ, who is our life, appears, we will appear with Him in glory (Colossians 3:4). Our present life is therefore shaped by both our identity in Christ and the hope of His future appearing.
Setting our minds above is a daily discipline. It means returning our attention to God’s truth when worldly pressures attempt to reshape our values. It means asking whether our choices reflect Christ’s priorities and whether our ambitions serve purposes beyond ourselves. A heavenly mind does not abandon earthly life; it brings earthly life under the wisdom and values of heaven. Glory!!!
INSTRUCTION: Examine one major priority occupying your attention right now. Ask yourself: Is this shaping me to reflect Christ, or is it consuming me with temporary concerns? Choose one practical action today that reflects a kingdom value; integrity, generosity, service, forgiveness, or love.
CONFESSION: My life is hidden with Christ in God, and my mind is being shaped by His truth. I set my thoughts and affections on the things above, where Christ reigns. I pursue earthly responsibilities with wisdom and integrity, but I refuse to make temporary things the foundation of my identity or the masters of my desires. My ambitions, relationships, and decisions are increasingly aligned with God’s purposes. Christ is my life, and His values govern my walk, in Jesus Name. Amen.
For More Light; get the message, “THE RENEWED MIND” by Dr. John Linus
QUOTE: Heavenly-mindedness is not escaping responsibility on earth; it is bringing every earthly responsibility under the values and authority of Christ.
DAILY BIBLE READING: MORNING: COLOSSIANS CHAPTER 3:1-17; EVENING: MATTHEW CHAPTER 6:19-34
