Colossians 3:1 - 2
ESV - 1 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.
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I think Philippians 3:17-21 is helpful in understanding this: 17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Once we're saved, we're no longer citizens of the earth (in the physical, yes, but in the spiritual sense, no), and our entire way of thinking in regards to how we act, what we believe, what we say, our view of right and wrong, etc... needs to become adjusted to our new status as citizens of heaven. In addition, we are instructed to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:12). If we want to become transformed as Christians so that we reflect more and more of Jesus and act more like citizens of heaven, we must start by renewing our minds. To do this, we must set our minds on the things that are above, the things that have to do with godliness. There are many things I could list that help us accomplish this kind of renewal of our minds, too many to list comprehensively in this space. Reading the Bible, being taught by knowledgable Christians, reading spiritual books, and participating in worship will certainly help. I also think Philippians 4:8 sums this issue up nicely: 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.
"Set Your Mind (Colossians 3:1-3 – NKJV)", is a song produced by Integrity Music as part of their Scripture Memory Songs: Renewing Your Mind album, released in 1993. This song sets Colossians 3:1-3 to music, aiding in memorization and meditation on the passage. This is one of my favorites! You can listen to "Set Your Mind" on various platforms: YouTube Spotify Since I’ve been raised with Christ (Colossians 3:1), I’m called to keep seeking Him every day (Colossians 3:1). I'm focused not on temporary, earthly things but on what truly matters—Christ’s presence and kingdom (Colossians 3:2; Philippians 3:20). He is seated in victory at God’s right hand (Hebrews 1:3), and that’s where my heart needs to be anchored. I’m to set my mind on heaven because that’s where my real life is hidden (Colossians 3:3-4). I live for what lasts, not for what fades away (2 Corinthians 4:18). Jesus isn’t just my Savior; He’s my aim and my strength (Psalm 73:25-26). So today, I fix my eyes upward, letting that shape how I think, speak, and live right here on earth (Romans 8:6; Matthew 6:33). Here’s my prayer: Lord Jesus, Thank You that I have been raised with You and that You reign in victory at the right hand of the Father. Help me to keep seeking You every day—not just once, but as a daily habit. Lord, fix my eyes on You and the eternal things above, not on the temporary distractions of this world. Set my mind on Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Let my heart be anchored in Your presence, where my true life is hidden. Strengthen me to live for what lasts and to live fully for You. Shape my thoughts, words, and actions so they reflect Your love and truth. I want to live as Your follower, aiming my life at You alone. Help me walk in the power of Your Spirit and keep my focus heavenward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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