Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This verse encourages believers to focus their thoughts and priorities on the eternal kingdom of God rather than the temporary things of this world.
To understand this verse fully, it’s important to look at the broader context of Colossians chapter 3. In the preceding verses, Paul reminds the Colossian believers that they have died with Christ to their old sinful nature and have been raised to new life with Him (Colossians 3:1, 3). Because they now have new spiritual life in Christ, they should seek after the things of Christ and His kingdom.
In particular, setting our minds on things above involves several key elements:
1. Setting our minds on Christ
As believers, our primary focus should be on deepening our relationship with Jesus Christ. We should seek to dwell on His character, meditate on His Word, commune with Him in prayer, and follow His example. Our thoughts and attention should be captured by Christ above all else.
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10).
2. Setting our minds on eternal rewards
Rather than living for what the world offers, we are called to live with our gaze fixed on the eternal rewards Christ has prepared for us. The trials of this world are momentary compared to the glorious future that awaits us (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
3. Setting our minds on Kingdom values
God’s values often contrast sharply with the values of this fallen world. As citizens of God’s Kingdom, we are to adopt His values, ethics, purposes, and priorities. We value humility rather than pride, generosity rather than greed, and integrity rather than compromise.
“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” (Colossians 3:1-2).
4. Setting our minds on righteous living
Our new life in Christ should be characterized by the pursuit of righteousness. We are called to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, flee from sinful passions, put to death our sinful nature, and walk in obedience to God’s commands.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
5. Setting our minds on service and sacrifice
The example of Christ demonstrates that true greatness comes through serving others sacrificially. We are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, eager to meet the needs of those around us and share the gospel with the lost.
“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
6. Setting our minds on our union with Christ
Believers have been united with Christ in His death, resurrection and ascension (Ephesians 2:6). We are hidden with Him in God (Colossians 3:3). This profound spiritual union should capture our thoughts. We are not alone, but joined in spirit with our living Savior.
“You died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).
7. Setting our minds on Heaven
Heaven, not earth, is the believer’s true home. We are to walk as pilgrims and sojourners on this earth, storing up our treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:20). Our thoughts should dwell on the glorious future that awaits in our real home.
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
8. Setting our minds on the Holy Spirit’s guidance
The Holy Spirit lives within every believer and seeks to transform us into Christ’s image. We are to tune our minds to the Spirit’s leading as He renews and rewires our thoughts, desires, and behaviors to align with God’s will.
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).
9. Setting our minds on God’s truth
In a world filled with lies and deception, believers must discipline their minds to dwell on God’s truth revealed in Scripture. We should meditate on, memorize, and apply the Bible to every aspect of life.
“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).
10. Setting our minds on things that are praiseworthy
Paul instructs believers to focus their thoughts on things that reflect truth, honor, justice, purity, beauty, and moral excellence (Philippians 4:8). Our thought lives should dwell on things that bring glory and praise to God.
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
11. Setting our minds on encouragement and praise
Choosing to fix our gaze on the positive qualities in others and offering praise to God transforms our outlook from cynical to optimistic. We can set our minds to see the good around us and to offer hope (Hebrews 10:24-25).
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13).
12. Setting our minds on peace and unity
In a divided world, believers carry the mission of proclaiming Christ’s message of reconciliation. We can prioritize the bond of unity among believers, emphasize common ground, and seek to be peacemakers (Philippians 4:2-3).
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2).
13. Setting our minds on gratitude
Cultivating gratefulness to God for His abundant blessings quiets a complaining spirit. Remembering His past faithfulness builds trust for the future. Thankful minds are content, not grasping for more (Psalm 103:1-5).
“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done” (Psalm 105:1).
14. Setting our minds on bringing God glory
The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” Believers live for an audience of One. We can consider daily how to actively glorify God in thoughts, words, and deeds.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
In summary, setting our minds on things above involves reshaping our priorities, values, desires, and thoughts around eternal Kingdom perspectives rather than temporal worldly perspectives. It means entering each day with our focus set on loving Christ, pleasing Him, knowing Him better, serving Him, and bringing Him glory in all things. It results in being less distracted, disillusioned, and discouraged when earthly trouble comes our way. We can endure the temporary struggles of this life because our gaze is fixed on the eternal weight of glory beyond this world (2 Corinthians 4:17).
What are some practical ways we can train our minds to focus on things above each day? Here are a few suggestions:
- Begin each morning asking the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts throughout the day
- Spend time reading and meditating on Scripture
- Pray continually, talking with God throughout your day
- Sing or listen to worship music that turns your focus to God
- Memorize inspirational Bible verses
- Set aside time for focused prayer and Bible study
- Limit consumption of worldly media and entertainment that promotes sinful values
- Carefully choose social relationships that strengthen your walk with God
- Look for ways to serve and bless others each day
- Practice gratitude at every opportunity
- Share your faith and hope in Christ with others
- Evaluate your priorities and activities in light of eternity
As believers walk closely with Christ each day, with their minds set on things above, they will experience the truth of God’s promise: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3). The Holy Spirit will renew our thoughts and attitudes so that they align more and more with our Father’s perfect will (Romans 12:2). Fixing our eyes on Christ daily transforms us into His image, from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). Setting our minds on things above ushers us into the abundant life Christ intends for each of His followers.