Focusing On Things Above
Colossians 3:1-4 - “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with his glory.”
This powerful passage written by the Apostle Paul encourages believers to set our minds and cultivate a godly mindset on heavenly things. But we live in a fast-paced world where it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. We juggle responsibilities, chase our success, and seek fulfillment in various ways. But in the midst of it all, the Apostle Paul reminds us to shift our focus upward - to fix our gaze on spiritual values and on heavenly realities.
Heavenly things refer to Christ’s exalted position, our hidden life in Christ and our anticipation of future glory.
How do we focus on these heavenly things? Paul begins by emphasizing our new identity in Christ. We don’t start somewhere else and then find our way to Christ, rather, Christ is our starting point. We’ve been crucified with Him as declared in Galatians 2:20, which states, “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.” Our existence is anchored in His resurrection life.
We are raised with Christ: As followers of Jesus, we share in His resurrection. Our old self has died, and we’ve been made new. This spiritual rebirth connects us to the risen Christ.
We center our hearts and minds on heavenly things: Paul urges us to focus our hearts and minds on things above. What occupies our thoughts matters. When we fix our gaze on heavenly realities—God’s kingdom, His will, and the eternal perspective—we experience peace and purpose.
We are hidden with Christ: Our lives are now intertwined with Christ. We’re hidden in Him, sheltered from the chaos of the world. Our identity is secure in Him, and our true life is found in His presence.
There is anticipation of glory: The ultimate hope lies in Christ’s return. When He appears, we’ll share in His glory. Our earthly struggles will fade in the brilliance of His presence.
All of these imperatives of Colossians 3:1-4 clarify that “above” refers to where Christ is seated - at the right hand of God. This isn’t abstract theology. It’s a profound truth. The crucified Jesus, the image of God, reigns as Lord. Our focus then, should shift from earthly agendas (whether political, cultural, or personal) to Christ’s lordship.
We’ve died to old life and its ways. Our investment should no longer be in earthly rulers or their supremacy. Instead, we fix our eyes, our thoughts and mind on the crucified and risen Christ. His lordship reshapes our priorities, values and pursuits.
Applied in one’s life, we have to guard our thoughts. We meditate on God’s Word, pray, and intentionally set your mind on heavenly things. In the midst of unbearable chaos like when doubts, anxiety or worry creeps in, remember our hidden life in Christ. Trust Him for perfect peace. Be heavenly minded while actively impacting or influencing the world. The more we focus on God, the more effective we become in advancing His kingdom.
Our Prayer for Today:
Almighty God in heaven, we thank you for saving our soul and for teaching us through Your Word and examples. Our home is not here - its with Christ that we live in light of eternity. Thank you Lord for setting our minds on heavenly things that refine our choices and our continuous pursuit of Your will. In so doing, Lord, we also thank You and pray that we are able to live a life that reflects our heavenly citizenship that brings glory to God. In Jesus name. Amen.