3 If
then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on
earth. Colossians 3:1-2
This
passage comes off the heels of Paul warning against legalism and adding
anything to the work that Christ did for us. We don’t work to earn our
salvation. It was earned on the Cross by Jesus. Our job is to accept we can’t
do it on our own and what Jesus did counted for us too.
So, what do
we do now that we have been raised with Christ? We seek the things that are above. In Heaven where Jesus is. And He is seated no less. At the right hand
of God, the place of honor. He is seated
because it was finished on the cross. We set our minds there…not on things
of the earth.
The story
of Mary and Martha comes to mind when I think about where my mind is generally
set. I’m always convicted when I read this story, because as much as I hate it,
my tendency is to be a Martha.
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed
him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his
teaching.40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and
said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell
her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha,
Martha, you are anxious
and troubled about many things, 42 but one
thing is necessary. Mary has
chosen the good portion,
which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
Martha started
off so well. She was the one who welcomed Jesus into her home. She wanted Jesus
and invited Him over. But when Jesus actually gets there, it was Mary who sat
at His feet and listened to His teaching. Martha was busy with earthly things…cleaning,
cooking, serving. She even nags, asking Jesus to tell Mary to help. What does Jesus
do? He calls her out about being anxious and troubled about many things. Oye.
I’ll
admit, I get a little defensive about this story. I mean, someone has to clean,
cook, serve, right? But it is that same defensiveness and eye on the earthly
things that keep me from setting my mind on things above. It doesn’t mean that
we sit back and just think about heaven all day. No, there is work to do here
and God created us to work and serve. The
difference is where we put our focus. What we are seeking first versus second,
third, fourth, etc.
And it is
so hard because there is so much work to do and so many earthly distractions.
We have to make an effort to focus on things of God. The other things don’t
disappear, but they are placed in proper perspective.
The only way to
live more righteously is by setting our minds above. It can never be
accomplished by setting our minds on earthly things, even when (especially
when) those things are things we think are making us “better” people. Only hearts and minds set on God can
transform us.
There is
peace and life and discernment and holiness that comes with setting our minds
above…
You keep him in
perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the
mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6
God is waiting to
pour out blessings and invite us to join Him in the work He is doing, but when
our minds are set on earthly things, we miss out. We end up seeking the wrong
things.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
James 4:3
No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he
will be devoted to the one and despise the other. Matthew 6:24a
As much as we think we are stellar multitaskers, our primary focus
can only be on one thing. It doesn’t
mean other things aren’t important, but it means our eyes need to be focused
upward… not side to side looking at what everyone else has or is doing, or
front to back wallowing the past or constantly striving for some future earthly
possession or goal.
What are some
practical ways we can set our minds on heaven?
John
Piper says, “Find a time and
a place where you have a season of solitude and quiet. Open your Bible and read
slowly, and as you read turn every sentence into prayer. And saturate your
mind. Ask questions. Ponder. Ask how it relates to your family, your children,
your singleness, your job, your leisure, so that all of your life takes on a
Godward focus, a Bible saturation, and an exaltation of Jesus Christ.”
Here's a few examples I came up
with as I was reflecting on how I can set my mind on things above. The key is
not to create a new legalistic checklist, but to put ourselves in a place where
our focus can be on things of God over things of the earth throughout the day.
Quiet Time & Prayer
Jesus –
God the Son – took time often to retreat alone and spend time in prayer to God the
Father.
Make a
habit of daily quiet time. It really does make a huge difference. Try setting
an alarm 15 minutes before you need to start the day. Find a cozy place to hang
out with a cup of coffee or tea and pray, speak to God, tell Him your worries
and fears. Thank Him for answered prayers. If you like to write, keep a journal
close by.
In
addition to daily quiet time, consider taking a day off from time to time to go
and be alone with God for an extended period of time. A day at the beach or by
a lake or in the corner of Starbucks can be good for the soul.
Devotionals, Bible Study, Podcasts
Finding a
devotional you love is a great thing to incorporate into your quiet time. There
are so many great ones out there that only take minutes a day to read. They can
jump start your conversations with God and help learn more about who God is
through His Word.
About a year and
a half ago I decided that one thing I could do was put God first in my day by
spending time with Him before I did anything else…before checking emails,
social media, any chores, etc. I grab a cup of coffee and curl up on the sofa
and pray first, then read some of my favorite devotionals. I use devotional
apps so I can keep the lights off and read from my phone or tablet…some of my
favorites are the Proverbs 31 First 5 devo, the ThouArtExalted devo (for teen
girls, but I love it), the Jesus Calling devo, and the Utmost for His Highest devo.
I have also grown
to love digging into the Bible on my own. I was convicted some time ago that
God wants us to search His Word on our own, rather than always learning about
it from others. Ask God to open your eyes and heart and mind and to reveal
truth to you. He will bring things to your attention that no one else might
see. And if anything is confusing, you can easily pull up a commentary or two
to read later (there are tons online).
Bible studies and
sermon podcasts are also a great way to be guided through God’s Word. My new
favorite thing is to go on a long walk and listen to a sermon podcast. I
struggle with being still and focused, so listening while I walk and am free
from distractions in the house has been so helpful to me. And bonus, I get exercise
and fresh air.
Worship Music
There is
something special about worship music. It connects us to God in a unique way.
Sing to him, sing
praises to him; tell
of all his wondrous works! 1 Chronicles 16:9
Listening to
worship music at home, work, in the car can help set your mind on things above.
Giving Thanks
Jesus spent time on earth giving thanks above. In fact, may times
we see Him give thanks prior to a
miracle. We are told to give thanks in all things…
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray
without ceasing, 18 give
thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
When we are focused on gratitude, we appreciate the good gifts
that come from God and our focus is above instead of on us.
Memorizing
Scripture
This is a great way to help set my mind on things above. When I am
memorizing scripture, the passage is often rolling through my head as I try to
commit it to memory. And I am constantly surprised that verses I have memorized
pop into my head just when I need them.
Serving
Others
When we serve others, we are serving God. What better way to focus
our attention above when we keep this truth in mind.
And the
King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you
did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40
Renewing of Your Mind
The goal is closeness and deeper relationship with our Creator and
God, a renewal of our mind, a transformation. Continuously setting our minds on
things above is key to the renewal and transformation process.
Do not be
conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable
and perfect. Romans 12:2
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul gives a beautiful example
of setting our mind on things above…
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence, if there
is anything worthy of praise, think
about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice
these things, and the God
of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
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