The passage states, "If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth."
In these verses, Paul addresses believers who have been united with Christ through faith. He urges them to live in a manner consistent with their new identity as followers of Christ. The phrase "raised together with Christ" refers to the spiritual reality of being united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Paul encourages us to "seek the things that are above, where Christ is." This means directing our attention and efforts towards heavenly and eternal matters rather than being consumed by worldly concerns. It involves seeking a deeper understanding of God's will, pursuing a relationship with Him, and aligning our lives with His purposes.
Furthermore, Paul instructs us to "set your mind on the things that are above." Our minds are the center of our thoughts, attitudes, and desires. Setting our minds on heavenly things means deliberately focusing our thoughts, affections, and priorities on what pleases God and is in accordance with His Word.
By setting our minds on heavenly things, we are reminded of the eternal perspective. It helps us to view life's challenges, temptations, and trials in light of God's greater plan and purposes. It enables us to discern what is of true value and significance in contrast to the transient and temporal things of this world.
This passage challenges us to examine our thought patterns and the preoccupations of our minds. Are our thoughts primarily centered on worldly pursuits, material possessions, or selfish ambitions? Or are we intentionally cultivating a mindset that is focused on Christ, His kingdom, and the eternal values of love, justice, and righteousness?
The call to set our minds on heavenly things does not mean we should neglect our responsibilities in the earthly realm. Rather, it reminds us to approach those responsibilities with a heavenly mindset, seeking to honor God and reflect His character in all that we do.
In a practical sense, setting our minds on heavenly things involves nurturing our relationship with God through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His guidance in our daily lives. It also means intentionally aligning our thoughts and actions with biblical principles, seeking to imitate Christ and live in a manner that brings glory to God.
By setting our minds on heavenly things, we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from within. Our thoughts, attitudes, and actions are gradually conformed to the image of Christ, resulting in a transformed life that reflects His love, grace, and truth.
In a contemporary context, Colossians 3:1-2 reminds us of the importance of maintaining a heavenly perspective amidst the distractions and pressures of the world. It challenges us to evaluate the priorities and pursuits that consume our thoughts and energies, and to intentionally redirect them towards the things of God.
This passage encourages us to live with a sense of eternity, recognizing that our true citizenship is in heaven. It reminds us that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God and enjoy a relationship with Him both now and for all eternity.
In summary, Colossians 3:1-2 calls us to seek the things above and to set our minds on heavenly things. It challenges us to live with an eternal perspective and to align our thoughts and actions with the values and purposes of God's kingdom. By cultivating a heavenly mindset, we experience transformation and grow in our relationship with Christ, ultimately bringing glory to God in all aspects of our lives.
Colossians 3:1-2. If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.