Scripture: Colossians 3:1–2
“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.”
Has there ever been something that consumed your mind—something you wanted so badly that it shaped your thoughts, your actions, and even your attitude?
Maybe it was the latest iPhone.
Maybe it was a certain grade.
Maybe it was a relationship.
Maybe it was something you now look back on and realize… it didn’t deserve that much of your energy.
As humans, we are inherently prone to desire. It’s part of our fallen nature. As we’ve discussed in previous devotions, selfishness and self-centered ambition aren’t just personality traits they're spiritual battles. The world constantly parades things in front of us and whispers, “This will complete you. This will bring you peace. This is what you need.”
And when we aren’t careful, we begin to believe it.
Personally, I’ve been wrestling with something simple, yet revealing: I’ve been eyeing the latest set of TaylorMade irons. I’ve budgeted, tested them out at the local Scheels, and I’ve been thinking through every purchase in relation to how it might bring me closer to affording them. And though there’s nothing inherently sinful about golf equipment, I started to realize how much of my mind had been set on this one thing. In fact, when I have to spend money on other items, I can feel resentment knowing that pulls me away.
And that’s where Paul’s words in Colossians 3 hit me hard.
He says, “Set your hearts on things above... set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” In other words, we have a choice every day, what we let occupy our hearts and thoughts. When our focus drifts to temporary things, we naturally drift from what is eternal.
Seeking What’s Above
Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae (pronounced KAW-luh-say - thanks Chat GPT) was written to help early believers establish and walk out their identity in Christ. In Colossians 3:1–2, Paul offers a clear and singular message: “Set your hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
In verse 1, Paul begins, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” This is an identity reminder. He’s speaking to believers those who have died to their old selves and been raised with Christ. And because of that transformation, Paul urges us to change not only how we live, but how we think.
He draws a line of contrast between two mindsets:
A heavenly mindset, shaped by Christ’s presence, authority, and character
An earthly mindset, shaped by temporary pleasures, anxieties, and selfish ambition
So, what does it mean to set your mind “on things above”? It’s not about ignoring reality or pretending earthly needs don’t exist. It’s about prioritizing eternal things: love, grace, humility, patience, worship, purpose, holiness. It’s about allowing Christ’s values to guide your daily life and not letting worldly habits control you.
Earthly desires aren’t always “bad” in and of themselves but when they become distractions, idols, or measuring sticks for our worth, they pull us away from our deeper identity in Jesus. And that’s what Paul is guarding us against.
What This Means for Us
We live in a culture that thrives on self-focus, comparison, and consumption. We are marketed to 24/7. We’re told to want more, need more, chase more. From possessions to relationships to social validation, the “next thing” often feels like the most important thing.
But Paul’s words confront that reality head-on with the call to look to christ like options.
This means:
When your mind is consumed by what you don’t have pause and reflect on what Christ has already given.
When you're caught in comparison redirect your focus to your God-given identity.
When you're tempted by worldly approval remember where your true worth comes from.
As humans, we will be consistently tempted at whats next. That is part of the devil’s plan, bringing your mindset to what can draw your heart and soul away. By putting our mindset on things above, we can redirect and find our joy in him.
Today’s Encouragement
God knows your heart. He knows the battles you face daily between spiritual focus and worldly distraction. That’s why He calls you to set your mind intentionally and repeatedly choose the things above.
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