Chiamaka NwekeSetting Your Mind on Things Above in a World That Shouts for Your Attention
Life has a way of narrowing our vision. We wake up each morning to a flood of concerns: deadlines to meet, bills to pay, relationships to manage, and problems to solve. Our world shrinks to the size of our daily to-do list. Yet the apostle Paul issues a breathtaking call to expand our horizons far beyond the temporary and visible. “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1–2). This is not a suggestion but a command—an invitation to live with an eternal perspective that transforms everything about how we see and experience life.
The Foundation: Our Position in Christ
Before Paul commands us to set our minds on things above, he grounds this instruction in a foundational truth: “If then you have been raised with Christ…” The word “if” here carries the sense of “since”—since you have been raised with Christ. Paul is reminding the Colossian believers of their spiritual reality. Through faith in Christ, they have died to their old life and been raised to new life. They are no longer citizens of this world alone; they are citizens of heaven.
This is the essential starting point for living with eternal perspective. You cannot live for heaven if you are not a citizen of heaven. The new birth is not merely a moral improvement or a religious affiliation; it is a radical transformation of identity. As Paul writes elsewhere, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new identity is the foundation upon which eternal perspective is built.
In Colossians 2, Paul has already established that believers have been buried with Christ in baptism and raised with Him through faith in the powerful working of God (Colossians 2:12). This is not a symbolic ritual but a spiritual reality. We are united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. His story has become our story. His victory has become our victory. His destiny has become our destiny.
Because we have been raised with Christ, we have a new orientation. Our lives are no longer defined by the values, priorities, and pursuits of this world. We are now “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Our true life is not the life we see in the mirror; it is the life we have in Christ, seated with Him in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6). This is the reality that should shape everything about how we live.
Seeking Things Above: An Active Pursuit
Paul’s first command is to “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). The Greek word for “seek” is zeteo, which implies an active, intentional pursuit. It is not a passive wish or a vague hope; it is a determined effort. Jesus used this same word when He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Seeking is the opposite of drifting. It requires intentionality, effort, and focus.
To seek things above means to make heavenly realities the priority of our lives. It means we are actively pursuing a relationship with God, growing in spiritual maturity, storing up treasure in heaven, and aligning our lives with God’s eternal purposes. It means we are no longer content with the superficial pursuits of this world but are hungry for the deeper realities of the kingdom.
The object of our seeking is not abstract or vague. Paul specifies that we are to seek “the things that are above, where Christ is.” The things above are not merely heavenly concepts or ethereal ideas; they are centered on the Person of Christ. Christ is the focus of our pursuit. To seek things above is to seek Christ Himself—to know Him, love Him, and become more like Him.
This seeking is not a one-time decision but a daily discipline. Just as we must eat food daily to sustain physical life, we must daily seek the things above to sustain spiritual life. It’s the reason we pray, read Scripture, worship, and fellowship with other believers. These are not merely religious duties; they are means of seeking the One who is our life.
Setting Our Minds: The Renewal of Our Thinking
Paul’s second command is closely related to the first but distinct: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2). The Greek word for “set your minds” is phroneo, which refers to the direction of our thinking, our attitudes, our values, and our inclinations. It’s not just about what we think about occasionally; it’s about what occupies our thoughts, shapes our values, and determines our decisions.
This command addresses the battlefield of the mind. Our thoughts are not neutral; they shape our affections, which in turn shape our actions. As the wise saying goes, “Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” Setting our minds on things above means intentionally directing our thoughts toward heavenly realities.
Paul contrasts setting our minds on things above with setting our minds on “things on earth.” This does not mean we are to ignore our earthly responsibilities or become so heavenly-minded that we are no earthly good. We are to work, care for our families, and engage in the affairs of this life. But our ultimate orientation and value system must be shaped by heavenly priorities.
The things on earth that Paul warns against are not necessarily the responsibilities of daily life but the worldly values, pursuits, and mindsets that compete with God’s kingdom. These include greed, selfish ambition, envy, worry, and the pursuit of status and possessions. When we set our minds on these things, we are living as if this world is all there is, and we will be constantly frustrated because earthly things can never satisfy our deepest longings.
The things above include the values of God’s kingdom: righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Spirit, love, humility, faithfulness, and hope. They include the assurance of salvation, the hope of eternal life, the presence of Christ, and the anticipation of His return. When we set our minds on these things, our lives are anchored in eternal reality, and we are freed from the tyranny of temporary concerns.
The Danger of Earthly Perspective
Living without an eternal perspective is not merely a spiritual shortcoming; it is a dangerous condition that leads to a host of problems. When we focus exclusively on earthly things, we become vulnerable to:
1. The Trap of Materialism
The pursuit of possessions becomes an endless cycle of dissatisfaction. The more we acquire, the more we want. Jesus warned, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20). Material things are temporary and ultimately unsatisfying. They can’t give us lasting meaning or security.
2. The Anxiety of Uncertainty
Without eternal perspective, we become consumed with worry about the future. We fret about our health, finances, and relationships because we have no assurance beyond this life. But when we set our minds on things above, we remember that our ultimate future is secure in Christ. As Jesus said, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34).
3. The Bitterness of Unfulfilled Expectations
When our expectations are centered on earthly outcomes, we set ourselves up for disappointment. We might expect a certain career, a certain income, a certain relationship, or a certain health outcome. When these expectations are not met, we become bitter. But when our ultimate hope is in the things above, we can face disappointments with grace. Our joy is not dependent on getting what we want but on having what we need in Christ.
4. The Pride of Accomplishment
When we see life only from an earthly perspective, we are tempted to take credit for our successes and feel superior to others. We forget that everything we have is a gift from God. Eternal perspective keeps us humble, reminding us that our greatest achievements are nothing compared to the glory of knowing Christ.
5. The Despair of Suffering
When suffering comes, an earthly perspective sees no purpose or meaning. Suffering seems random and cruel. But an eternal perspective sees suffering as part of God’s larger plan. As Paul writes, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18). Suffering is not meaningless; it’s producing something eternal.
The Benefits of Eternal Perspective
When we live with an eternal perspective, we experience profound benefits that transform every area of our lives.
1. Freedom from Worry
When we know that our ultimate future is secure, we can face present challenges with peace. We don’t have to panic about financial setbacks because we know that God will provide. We don’t have to be paralyzed by health concerns because we know that our eternal destiny is safe. The Psalmist declared, “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22). Eternal perspective allows us to release our anxieties to God.
2. Purpose in Suffering
Suffering is one of the hardest realities of life, but eternal perspective gives it meaning. We can see our trials as opportunities for growth and as part of God’s refining process. James writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2–3). We can endure suffering with hope because we know it is not the final chapter.
3. Generosity and Simplicity
When our treasure is in heaven, we are freed to be generous with our resources on earth. We no longer hoard possessions in an attempt to find security. We give freely, knowing that our true riches are stored up where moth and rust cannot destroy. This generosity is not a burden but a joy because we are investing in eternal things.
4. Resilience in Failure
When our identity is rooted in Christ, we are freed from the need to prove ourselves through accomplishments. We can handle failure with grace because our worth is not in our performance but in our relationship with God. We can take risks and pursue God’s purposes without the fear of losing our reputation.
5. Boldness in Witness
When we truly believe that heaven is real and that people without Christ are headed for eternal separation from God, we will be motivated to share the gospel boldly. Eternal perspective gives urgency to our witness. We don’t want anyone to miss the eternal joy that awaits those who trust in Christ.
The Bible’s Pattern for Setting the Mind
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of those who lived with an eternal perspective. Their lives serve as models for us to follow.
Moses: Choosing Suffering Over Pleasure
Hebrews 11:24–26 tells us that Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing instead to suffer with the people of God. He “considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” Moses had his eyes on the future inheritance, not on the temporary pleasures and privileges of Egypt. This was the key to his endurance.
David: Finding Perspective in Worship
When David faced the threats of his enemies, he found his perspective in worship. He wrote, “I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8). David’s mind was set on God’s presence and God’s promises, and this gave him stability and hope.
Paul: Counting All as Loss
Paul, writing from a Roman prison, declared, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). He had learned to evaluate everything in light of the eternal worth of knowing Christ. His greatest desire was to “know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10–11).
The Hebrews Heroes: Living by Faith
Hebrews 11 lists numerous examples of those who lived by faith, looking to the promises of God. They “acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13) and were seeking a heavenly country. Their lives were characterized by faith in God’s promises, even when they didn’t see their fulfillment in their lifetimes.
The Holy Spirit’s Role in Eternal Perspective
Living with eternal perspective is not something we can achieve in our own strength. It is a work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. The Spirit opens our eyes to see the reality of heavenly things and gives us the desire to seek them.
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be our Helper and Teacher (John 14:26). It is the Spirit who convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). It is the Spirit who bears witness with our spirits that we are children of God (Romans 8:16). It is the Spirit who helps us in our weakness, interceding for us with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26). The Spirit is the one who enables us to set our minds on things above.
The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23)—is evidence that we are living with an eternal perspective. When we are filled with the Spirit, our lives reflect the character of Christ, and we are empowered to seek the things above.
Practical Steps for Living with Eternal Perspective
Setting our minds on things above is a daily discipline. Here are practical steps to help you cultivate and maintain an eternal perspective.
1. Start Each Day with Prayer
Before your mind is filled with the concerns of the day, bring it before God. Ask Him to help you see the day from His perspective. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and for a heart that seeks the things above. This sets the tone for the entire day.
2. Immerse Yourself in God’s Word
The Bible is the primary means by which we learn about God’s eternal purposes and are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Make it a habit to read and meditate on Scripture daily. Ask God to speak to you through His Word and to align your thinking with His.
3. Keep the End in View
Regularly remind yourself of the ultimate hope of the Christian life. Consider the truth of the resurrection, the reality of the new heaven and new earth, and the return of Christ. The more you meditate on these truths, the more they will shape your perspective. As Paul writes, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). Hope in the future gives patience in the present.
4. Build Heavenly Treasure
Invest your time, energy, and resources in things that have eternal significance. Serve others, share the gospel, and build up the body of Christ. These activities store up treasure in heaven and align your heart with God’s priorities. When Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21), He was giving us a key to cultivating eternal perspective. What you invest in will capture your heart.
5. Embrace Simplicity
As you seek to set your mind on things above, consider simplifying your life. Reduce your consumption, avoid unnecessary debt, and be intentional about your use of time. Simplicity frees you from the burden of maintaining possessions and distractions, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
6. Fellowship with Like-Minded Believers
The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Surround yourself with those who are also seeking the things above. When you gather with others, encourage one another, share testimonies of God’s faithfulness, and remind each other of the hope that awaits.
7. Remember Your Identity
When you feel overwhelmed or tempted to focus on earthly things, remind yourself of who you are in Christ. You have been raised with Him. You are a citizen of heaven. You are hidden with Christ in God. This identity is the foundation for your perspective and the source of your hope.
8. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have in Christ. When you thank God for salvation, for His presence, and for His promises, you are setting your mind on things above. Cultivate a habit of giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and you will find your perspective changing.
The Danger of Worldly Values
One of the challenges to living with eternal perspective is the constant pressure from the world to adopt its values. Paul warns, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2). The world has its own set of priorities, and it exerts relentless pressure on us to adopt them.
Worldly values include:
- The pursuit of wealth and possessions as the measure of success
- The pursuit of pleasure as the goal of life
- The pursuit of status and recognition as the source of worth
- The pursuit of control as the means of security
- The pursuit of self-fulfillment as the highest good
These values are fundamentally incompatible with eternal perspective. They are based on the assumption that this life is all there is and that happiness is found in satisfying our desires. But these pursuits ultimately lead to emptiness and frustration. As Jesus said, “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25).
Paul writes, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” The contrast is clear: heavenly values vs. earthly values. Heavenly values are rooted in God’s kingdom and find their expression in love, humility, generosity, and faith. Earthly values are rooted in selfish desires and lead to envy, pride, greed, and strife.
To set our minds on things above is to consciously reject the world’s value system and embrace God’s. This is not a one-time decision but an ongoing process of discernment and renewal.
Keeping Heaven in View: The Hope of the Believer
The ultimate motivation for living with eternal perspective is the hope of the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Paul writes, “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:3–4). This is the blessed hope of every believer.
We live in the tension between the “already” and the “not yet.” We have already been raised with Christ spiritually, but the full manifestation of our resurrection glory awaits His return. In the meantime, we live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). We do not see the fullness of what is coming, but we believe it.
This hope is an anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19). It is what enables us to endure the storms of life. When everything around us is shaking, we hold onto the truth that God is sovereign and that His purposes will prevail. We look forward to the day when Christ will return and all things will be made new.
The hope of Christ’s return also motivates us to live holy lives. Peter writes, “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11–12). The eternal perspective purifies our hearts and directs our lives toward honoring God.
When Life Feels Overwhelming
There will be times when life feels overwhelming. The pressures of this world—financial stress, health problems, relationship difficulties, and the daily grind—can seem to close in on us. In these moments, the command to set our minds on things above can feel impossible. Our pain is real, our concerns are pressing, and heaven can feel very distant.
In these moments, remember that Jesus understands. He too faced suffering, temptation, and the weight of this world. He was “despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). He knows what it is to feel overwhelmed. And He is with us in our struggles.
The Holy Spirit also helps us in our weakness. When we don’t know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26–27). When we are too weary to seek the things above, the Spirit strengthens us. We are not alone in our struggle.
Furthermore, remember that this world is not your home. You are a stranger and exile here, as the heroes of faith were. Your true home is in heaven. As Peter writes, “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11). When you are tempted to lose heart, remember that this world is temporary and that an eternal weight of glory is being prepared for you.
Living with Heaven in View: A Prayer
Father, I confess that my eyes often drift toward the things of this world. The cares of life, the pursuit of comfort, and the desire for approval from others easily capture my attention and distract me from the things above. Forgive me for my short-sightedness and help me to see the eternal reality that is hidden with Christ.
Set my mind on things above—on the beauty of Your holiness, the certainty of Your promises, and the hope of Your return. Help me to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that all other things will be added to me as You see fit.
When I am discouraged by trials and disappointments, remind me of the eternal weight of glory that is being prepared for me. When I am tempted to settle for the fleeting pleasures of this world, remind me of the treasure that is stored up for me in heaven.
Fill me with Your Spirit and renew my mind through Your Word. May my life be a testimony of the reality of the gospel and a reflection of the hope that I have in Christ. I want to live each day with heaven in view, loving You and serving You wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Eternal Horizon
Living with eternal perspective is not escapism; it’s realism. It is seeing life as it truly is—a temporary pilgrimage leading to an eternal destination. It is recognizing that what we do in this life has significance far beyond the immediate, and that the choices we make today have consequences for eternity.
When we set our minds on things above, we are not denying the reality of earthly struggles. Rather, we are placing them in the context of God’s eternal purposes. We are seeing our lives from God’s perspective and aligning our hearts with His will.
This is not easy. The world is loud, and the flesh is weak. But the Holy Spirit is powerful, and the hope of glory is real. We can live with eternal perspective because we have been raised with Christ and our lives are hidden with Him in God. He is our life, and when He appears,we will appear with him in Glory.
Chiamaka Nweke