Set Your Hearts and 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

- The believers' position in Christ: we died with Christ, we've been raised with Christ, we're hidden (safe and secure) with Christ in heavenly realms. "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus." (Romans 2:6) "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

- What the believers are to do as a result of their position in Christ: We are to set our hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly things. We are to direct our affection and thoughts to things above (heavenly things/eternal things). "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2) We must embrace an eternal perspective. Let's live in the light of eternity! This world is not our home. Don't waste your life chasing after temporary things! Live for God and give Him your undivided loyalty! Don't let the world and its pursuits come between your soul and Him. Focus on reaching out to the lost and making an eternal impact while you're here on earth. Live intentionally in such a way that most glorifies God. Think God's thoughts. Love what God loves and hate what God hates. Look at everything through God's eyes/ perspectives.

“Farewell, vain world; my soul bids you adieu.
My Savior taught me to abandon you.
Your charms may gratify a sensual mind,
but cannot please a soul for God designed." ~David Brainerd

"The Greek verb for set emphasizes an ongoing decision. Christians must continually discipline themselves to focus on eternal realities, instead of the temporal realities of this earth. A Christian's life is no longer dictated by this world but is hidden with Christ. The Gree word for hidden indicates that God has accomplished this in the past so that it is a present reality." (commentary from my NKJV Study Bible)

- Christ is our Life. This is the consummation of our union with Christ. When Christ returns, we will also appear with Him in glory. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:17-18) "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18)