Chiamaka NwekeThe Gravity of the Temporary
We live in a world obsessed with the immediate. Our news cycles are twenty-four hours. Our social media feeds are instantaneous. Our gratification is expected to be on-demand. We are conditioned to focus on the here and now—the mortgage payment, the next promotion, the latest trend, the fleeting validation of a “like” on a post. We spend our lives climbing ladders, only to realize they are often leaning against the wrong walls. The human heart is prone to what C.S. Lewis famously called “chronological snobbery”—the belief that the present moment is the most important moment, and that the things of this world are the ultimate reality.
Yet, the Bible presents a radically different perspective. It invites us to lift our gaze from the mud of earth to the glory of heaven. It calls us to see our lives not as isolated fragments of time but as part of an eternal story that began before the foundation of the world and will continue long after this present age has passed away. The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Colossae, issues a crisp, powerful, and life-altering command: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).
This verse is the heartbeat of the Christian worldview. It is the key to unlocking joy, peace, and purpose in a chaotic world. It is the secret to navigating suffering, resisting temptation, and living a life that truly matters. When we learn to live with an eternal perspective, everything changes. Our priorities shift. Our values transform. Our reactions to circumstances become measured and wise. We stop being tossed to and fro by the waves of temporal events and find our anchor in the unchanging reality of God’s eternal Kingdom.
Understanding the Context of Colossians 3
To fully grasp the power and depth of Colossians 3:2, we must first understand the historical and theological context of the letter. The church in Colossae was facing a unique and dangerous threat, and Paul’s response was a masterful declaration of the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ.
The Colossian Heresy
The church in Colossae was under attack from a syncretistic heresy that blended Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and Eastern mysticism. This false teaching, often called the “Colossian Heresy,” promoted the idea that Christ was not sufficient for salvation or spiritual growth. It taught that believers needed additional knowledge, ascetic practices, and the worship of angels to reach spiritual fullness. These false teachers were essentially saying that Jesus was a good start, but you needed something more—more rules, more rituals, more secret knowledge—to truly be connected to God.
This heresy was dangerous because it diminished the person and work of Jesus Christ. It placed human effort and human tradition on the same level as divine grace. It made salvation a matter of works rather than a gift of faith. It created a spiritual elite who had access to “higher” knowledge, while the ordinary believer was left feeling inadequate and inferior. This is a trap that the enemy still uses today—making believers feel that their relationship with God is not enough, that they need something more, something extra.
The Antidote: The Supremacy of Christ
Paul’s response to this heresy is the most exalted Christology in the New Testament. In Colossians 1:15-20, he declares that Jesus is the “image of the invisible God,” the Creator of all things, the head of the Church, and the One in whom all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. He is supreme. He is sufficient. In Christ, all the “fullness of Deity lives in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9). There is no need for angel worship, human philosophy, or extra rules. Christ is the complete and final revelation of God.
Because Christ is supreme and because believers are “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3), Paul urges them to live in light of their heavenly identity. They have died with Christ to the old way of life, and they have been raised with Christ to a new way of life. This new life is not about following a list of rules; it is about a transformed identity and a new orientation of the heart.
The Shift from “Position” to “Practice”
Colossians 3 begins with a dramatic theological shift. Paul writes: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above…” (v. 1). Notice the word “since.” It is a conjunction of conclusion. Because of what God has done for us in Christ—raising us from spiritual death and seating us with Him in heavenly places—we are to live in a certain way.
The “Already” and the “Not Yet”: We are already raised with Christ in a spiritual sense (our position), but we are not yet in the fullness of the Kingdom (our practice). We live in the tension between the “already” and the “not yet.” We are citizens of heaven living as ambassadors on earth. We have the down payment of the Spirit, but we are waiting for the full inheritance. This tension is not a problem to be solved; it is the context in which our faith is lived out.
The Imperative of the Mind
Colossians 3:2 is a direct command. It is not a suggestion, a wish, or a mystical ideal. It is an imperative—a word of command. Paul uses the Greek verb phroneō, which means to think, to set one’s mind on, or to be devoted to. It implies a conscious, deliberate, and continuous action of the will. This is not passive daydreaming. It is an active, intentional orientation of the intellect and the affections toward the things of God. Paul is telling us that our thinking determines our living. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). The mind is the control center of the soul. If we want to change our actions, we must first change our thinking. If we want to live for eternity, we must think about eternity.
Deconstructing the Command – “Things Above” vs. “Earthly Things”
To obey this command, we must understand the contrast Paul is drawing. What exactly are “things above,” and what are “earthly things”? This is not a simple dichotomy between good and evil; it is a distinction between the temporal and the eternal.
The Nature of “Things Above”
“Things above” are not just a vague concept of “heaven” as a place of clouds and harps. In the New Testament, “things above” encompass the entire reality of God’s redemptive plan, His character, and the eternal Kingdom. It is a comprehensive orientation of the heart toward the divine.
Key Elements of “Things Above”:
- The Person of Christ: Sitting at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1). Our focus should be on Jesus—His life, His death, His resurrection, and His intercession for us. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. He is the one who has gone before us and is preparing a place for us.
- The Kingdom of God: This is the reign of God in the hearts of believers and the ultimate consummation of His rule over all creation. It is not just a future reality; it is a present reality that we are called to live out.
- Eternal Truths: These are the unshakable promises of God—salvation, forgiveness, adoption, and the hope of resurrection. They are more certain than the ground beneath our feet.
- Spiritual Realities: These include the presence of the Holy Spirit, the ministry of angels, and the communion of saints. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.
- The Character of God: His holiness, love, justice, mercy, and grace. When we set our minds on these attributes, we are transformed into His image.
The High Calling: Setting our minds on these things means we prioritize our relationship with God above all else. We view our lives through the lens of His purposes. We ask, “What does this situation mean in light of eternity?” We measure success not by worldly standards but by Kingdom standards.
The Nature of “Earthly Things”
“Earthly things” (or “things on the earth”) are not inherently evil. Food, marriage, work, and rest are all good gifts from God. The problem arises when these good things become ultimate things. When we are consumed by them, when we find our identity and security in them, they become idols. They become distractions that pull our hearts away from God.
Earthly things include:
- Materialism: The relentless pursuit of wealth, possessions, and status. Jesus warned, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Materialism is the belief that happiness can be purchased and that security can be accumulated.
- Carnal Desires: Paul lists these in Colossians 3:5: “sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.” These are the desires of the flesh that war against the spirit.
- Human Pride: The desire for the praise of men, ambition for power, and self-glorification. This is the sin that led to the fall of Lucifer.
- Anxieties: Worrying about tomorrow, about food, clothing, and shelter. Jesus tells us not to worry about these things because the Father knows our needs (Matthew 6:25-34).
- Temporal Success: Building kingdoms that will burn. Paul warns against building with wood, hay, and straw—works that will not survive the fire of judgment (1 Corinthians 3:12-13).
The Danger: When our minds are set on earthly things, we are spiritually short-sighted. We are like people staring at the mud on the ground when a beautiful sunset is blazing in the sky. We lose perspective, and we lose our joy. We become enslaved to the things we were meant to enjoy.
The Theology of Eternity
Why is an eternal perspective so crucial? Because the reality of eternity changes everything about how we live in the present. It is the lens through which we must view all of life.
The Sovereignty of God
An eternal perspective begins with the recognition that God is sovereign over time. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8). He is not bound by the constraints of our linear timeline. He sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). He is the Lord of history, and He is working all things according to the counsel of His will.
The Implications: Because God is sovereign, nothing happens by accident. Our lives are not a series of random events; they are a narrative written by the Author of history. The trials we face are not pointless; they are part of His divine plan. The blessings we receive are not luck; they are gifts from His hand. An eternal perspective allows us to trust God when we cannot trace Him. We can rest in the knowledge that He is in control, even when our circumstances seem out of control.
The Brevity of Life
The Bible is brutally honest about the brevity of life. James compares our lives to a “mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). David prays, “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is” (Psalm 39:4). Moses declares, “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10).
Living in the Light of Eternity: When we realize that our time on earth is short, we stop wasting it on trivialities. We stop holding grudges. We stop chasing wind. We begin to invest in things that have eternal value—our relationship with God, our families, and the salvation of souls. We begin to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). We realize that every moment is a precious gift that should be used for God’s glory.
The Resurrection Hope
The foundation of the Christian eternal perspective is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because He rose from the dead, we have the assurance that we too will be raised. The apostle Paul argues in 1 Corinthians 15 that if Christ is not raised, our faith is futile and we are still in our sins. But because He is raised, we have a living hope. The grave is not the end. Death is not the final word. We look forward to a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13).
The Motivation: This hope motivates us to live holy lives. John writes, “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure” (1 John 3:3). We don’t just endure this life; we live it with purpose and purity because we know where we are going. The resurrection is not just a doctrine to believe; it is a reality that transforms how we live.
The Judgment Seat of Christ
Another aspect of the eternal perspective is the reality of the judgment seat of Christ. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” This is not a judgment of condemnation for believers (Romans 8:1 says there is no condemnation for those in Christ), but it is a judgment of reward. Our works will be tested by fire, and we will receive rewards for what we have done for the Kingdom.
The Motivation: The judgment seat of Christ motivates us to live for eternity. It reminds us that our actions have consequences that extend beyond this life. It encourages us to invest in things that will last—to build with gold, silver, and precious stones rather than wood, hay, and straw. It is not a threat; it is an invitation to live a life of eternal significance.
The Practical Application of an Eternal Perspective
Theology must become practical. How do we actually “set our minds on things above” in the daily grind of life? How do we live out this eternal perspective in practical, tangible ways?
Cultivate a Daily Devotional Life
You cannot set your mind on things above if you never look up. A consistent time of prayer and Bible reading is non-negotiable. This is the primary means by which God renews our minds (Romans 12:2). It is in the quiet moments of the morning, before the noise of the world intrudes, that we can orient our hearts toward heaven.
The Word: As we read Scripture, we are exposed to God’s thoughts. We learn His ways. We see His character. The Word of God is the lens through which we see the world. It reorients our thinking. When we read about the faithfulness of God in the past, we are encouraged to trust Him in the present. When we read about the glories of the future, we are filled with hope.
Prayer: Prayer is the conversation that keeps us connected to heaven. When we pray, we are acknowledging our dependence on God. We are aligning our will with His will. We are rehearsing our faith. Prayer is not just asking for things; it is communing with God. It is bringing our hearts into alignment with His heart.
Keep a Journal of God’s Faithfulness
As we have discussed in previous articles, a gratitude journal is a powerful tool for maintaining an eternal perspective. When we write down what God has done, we build a record of His faithfulness. We create a tangible reminder that God is at work in our lives.
Looking Back to Look Forward: When we face new challenges, we can look back at our journal and remember how God delivered us in the past. This builds our faith and reminds us that the God who was faithful yesterday will be faithful today and tomorrow. It is a chronicle of grace.
Practice the Discipline of Contentment
Contentment is the fruit of an eternal perspective. We can be content because we know that we have an inheritance in heaven that will never spoil, perish, or fade (1 Peter 1:4). The apostle Paul wrote, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:12). The secret is not having more; it is trusting the One who has everything.
Application: When you feel the pangs of envy or materialism, remind yourself of your heavenly riches. You are an heir of God and a co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). What could the world possibly offer that compares to that? When we realize that we already possess the greatest treasure, the trinkets of the world lose their allure.
Serve Others with Eternity in View
Service is a practical way to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). When we serve others—whether it’s helping a neighbor, giving to the poor, or teaching a Sunday school class—we are investing in eternity. Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
The Motivation: Our service to others is service to Christ. It has eternal significance. It is not wasted. Every cup of cold water given in His name will be rewarded. This perspective transforms our view of service. It is not just a duty; it is a privilege.
Live with an Eternal Mindset in Suffering
This is perhaps the hardest application, but it is where an eternal perspective shines the brightest. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
The Reframing: Paul calls our worst sufferings “light and momentary.” How can he say that? Because he was looking at them through the lens of eternity. He was comparing his temporary pain to the eternal weight of glory. When we are suffering, we must do the same. We must say, “This hurts, but it is not the end of the story. The best is yet to come.” We must see our trials as the forge in which our character is being shaped for eternity.
Overcoming Obstacles to an Eternal Perspective
If an eternal perspective is so beneficial, why is it so hard to maintain? We face constant obstacles that pull our hearts back to the earth. We must identify and overcome these obstacles.
The Distraction of the Mundane
The daily routine can be a spiritual sedative. We get caught up in the “tyranny of the urgent”—the dishes, the bills, the deadlines, the traffic. These things are not sinful, but they can crowd out the spiritual. They can occupy our minds so completely that we forget to think about God.
The Solution: We must learn to see the sacred in the secular. We can worship God in the mundane. We can pray while washing dishes. We can listen to sermons while commuting. We can turn our work into an offering to God (Colossians 3:23). We must intentionally break the monotony with moments of prayer and reflection. We must fight the drift toward distraction.
The Lure of Materialism
The world screams at us to consume. We are told that happiness is found in the next purchase, the next upgrade, the next vacation. We are bombarded with advertisements that create artificial desires.
The Solution: We must practice the discipline of generosity. Giving breaks the power of materialism. When we give generously—to the church, to missions, to the poor—we are loosening the grip of money on our hearts. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). We must also practice simplicity, intentionally reducing our consumption and our attachment to possessions.
The Weight of Grief and Loss
Grief can be a heavy cloud that blocks our view of heaven. When we lose a loved one, our health, or our livelihood, it is easy to become earth-bound. The pain is so intense that it consumes our vision.
The Solution: Grief is not the enemy of faith; it is a reality of a fallen world. We must allow ourselves to grieve, but we must not grieve as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). We have the hope of the resurrection. We have the hope of reunion. We can look forward to a day when there will be no more tears, no more death, and no more pain (Revelation 21:4). We must also seek the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the support of the community of faith.
The Attack of the Enemy
Satan is the “prince of this world” and the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4). He actively works to blind the minds of unbelievers and to distract believers from their heavenly calling. He wants us to be consumed with earthly things. He wants us to forget our eternal destiny.
The Solution: We must put on the full armor of God. Specifically, we must use the “helmet of salvation” to protect our minds and the “sword of the Spirit” to counter the lies of the enemy with the truth of God’s Word. We must be vigilant and alert, recognizing that we are in a spiritual battle.
The Evidence of an Eternal Perspective
How do we know if we are truly living with an eternal perspective? There are “fruits” or evidences that manifest in our lives. These are the visible results of an invisible reality.
A Life of Holiness
John writes, “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure” (1 John 3:3). When we are focused on heaven, we are less attached to the sin of this world. We are not trying to “get away with” sin; we are striving to be like Jesus. Holiness is not legalism. It is a love for Christ that compels us to obey Him. It is a life that reflects the character of the One who has saved us.
The Pursuit: A holy life is the natural outworking of an eternal perspective. We seek to please God because we love Him and because we want to be ready for His coming.
A Life of Generosity
An eternal perspective makes us generous. We realize that we are just passing through. We are stewards, not owners. We hold the things of this world loosely. We are willing to share our resources because we know that our true treasure is in heaven.
The Heart: The early church in Acts 2:44-45 “had everything in common” and “sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” This was not communism; it was generosity born out of a shared identity in Christ and a shared hope in eternity.
A Life of Joy
Joy is a hallmark of the believer who is looking to heaven. This is not a superficial happiness dependent on circumstances; it is a deep, abiding gladness rooted in the hope of glory. Peter writes, “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9).
The Source: The salvation of our souls is the source of our joy. When we remember that we have been saved from eternal condemnation and are destined for eternal glory, we cannot help but rejoice.
A Life of Peace
When we have an eternal perspective, we don’t panic. We know that God is in control. We have peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Paul was in prison singing hymns (Acts 16). He had peace because he was not focused on his chains; he was focused on his Savior. An eternal perspective brings a supernatural calm to the storm.
The Calm: This peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God in the midst of the conflict. It is the assurance that all will be well in the end.
A Life of Evangelism
If you truly believe that heaven is real and hell is real, you cannot keep it to yourself. An eternal perspective compels us to share the Gospel. We are not just building comfortable lives; we are on a rescue mission. We are pulling people out of the fire (Jude 23). We are heralding the good news that there is forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life in Jesus Christ.
The Urgency: The reality of eternity creates a sense of urgency. We don’t know when the Lord will return. We don’t know when our time will run out. We must share the Gospel while there is still time.
The Rewards of an Eternal Perspective
God is not a debtor. He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). What are the rewards of living with an eternal perspective? They are both present and future, tangible and intangible.
The Reward of God’s Presence
When we set our minds on things above, we experience God’s presence in a deeper way. He draws near to those who draw near to Him (James 4:8). The presence of God is the greatest gift we can receive this side of heaven. It is the foretaste of the eternal bliss to come.
The Intimacy: Living with an eternal perspective cultivates intimacy with God. We are not just thinking about heaven; we are thinking about the One who inhabits heaven. We are communing with Him.
The Reward of Wisdom
Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” When we view life through the lens of eternity, we make wiser decisions. We don’t fall for the “get rich quick” schemes or the empty promises of the world. We invest our time, talent, and treasure in what actually matters.
The Discernment: Wisdom is the ability to see things from God’s perspective. It is the skill of living in light of eternity. Those who live with an eternal perspective have a wisdom that is not of this world.
The Reward of Ease in Trials
When you know the end of the story, it is easier to endure the middle. An eternal perspective doesn’t make trials painless, but it makes them bearable. We can “count it all joy” (James 1:2) because we know that the trial is producing perseverance and ultimately, a reward.
The Hope: The reward of ease in trials is not the absence of pain but the presence of hope. We know that our suffering is not in vain.
The Reward of Eternal Crowns
Paul speaks of a “crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8) and a “crown of life” (James 1:12) for those who persevere. These crowns are not just for our glory but for God’s glory. We will cast our crowns at His feet (Revelation 4:10), acknowledging that He alone is worthy.
The Motivation: The desire for eternal reward is not selfish; it is a God-given motivation to live a faithful life. The rewards are not about us; they are about honoring Christ.
The Reward of “Well Done”
The ultimate reward for the faithful servant is hearing the words of Jesus: “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21). To hear those words will be worth more than all the wealth, fame, and pleasure this world could ever offer.
The Goal: This is the supreme reward. It is the consummation of our relationship with Christ. It is the moment when we see Him face to face and hear His approval.
Living in the “Now” and the “Not Yet”
Living with an eternal perspective doesn’t mean we neglect our earthly responsibilities. It means we fulfill them in light of eternity. We live in the tension between the “now” and the “not yet.”
The “Now” – Faithful Stewardship
We are to be faithful stewards of the life God has given us. We work. We love. We serve. We pay our taxes. We participate in society. We are to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16). Our present responsibilities are the arena in which we live out our eternal faith.
The Balance: We don’t get so “heavenly minded” that we are of “no earthly good.” Actually, the most heavenly-minded people are the most earthly good. Think of George Müller, who cared for thousands of orphans because he trusted God for provision. He was looking to heaven, and it made him a powerful force for good on earth.
The “Not Yet” – A Pilgrim Mentality
Peter calls believers “foreigners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11). This is the pilgrim mentality. We are not permanent residents here. We are ambassadors of a foreign land—the Kingdom of God. We are here to represent our King. We are here to proclaim His message.
The Focus: This doesn’t mean we don’t love our country or our community. It means our ultimate allegiance is to the King of Kings. We are here to serve, but we are not here to stay.
The Tension of Grief and Joy
We live in a tension. We grieve the brokenness of this world. We weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). We feel the pain of injustice and loss. But simultaneously, we rejoice in the hope of restoration. This is the paradoxical life of the believer: sorrowful, yet always rejoicing (2 Corinthians 6:10).
The Paradox: The tension is not a problem to be solved; it is a mystery to be embraced. It is the experience of living between two worlds.
The Future – What We Are Heading Toward
To set our minds on things above, we need to have a clear picture of our destiny. What awaits the believer? The Bible gives us a glorious picture of the future.
The Return of Christ
The Bible promises that Jesus will return. He will come in glory, not as a suffering servant, but as the conquering King. This is the “blessed hope” of the Church (Titus 2:13). His return is the culmination of all history. It is the moment when God’s Kingdom will be fully established on earth.
The Expectation: We are to live in eager expectation of His return. This is not a passive waiting; it is an active preparation.
The Resurrection of the Body
We will be raised with a glorified body, like Christ’s resurrection body (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). It will be a body that is imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual. It will be free from pain, sickness, and death. This is the hope of our physical redemption.
The Transformation: Our current bodies are weak and perishable. Our resurrection bodies will be strong and eternal. This is a profound comfort for those who suffer physical affliction.
The New Heavens and New Earth
God is not going to annihilate creation; He is going to redeem and restore it. There will be a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells (Revelation 21:1). This is the restoration of all things (Acts 3:21). It is a renewed creation, free from the curse of sin.
The Restoration: The new heavens and new earth are not a replacement for the old; they are a redemption of the old. The earth will be restored to its original beauty and purpose.
The Final Judgment
The Bible speaks of a judgment where the righteous will be rewarded and the wicked will be punished. For the believer, this is not a judgment of condemnation (Romans 8:1), but a judgment of rewards (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). We will give an account of our lives, and our works will be tested by fire.
The Accountability: The judgment is a motivation to live faithfully. It reminds us that our actions have eternal consequences.
Eternal Fellowship with God
The ultimate hope of the believer is not just a place (heaven), but a Person. We will see God face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). We will dwell in His presence forever. This is the beatific vision—the highest joy of heaven. It is the consummation of our relationship with God.
The Goal: The goal of salvation is not just rescue from hell; it is union with God. We will know Him as we are known.
The Call to Set Your Mind
As we conclude, let us return to the command of Colossians 3:2. It is a call to action. It is a call to a different way of seeing the world. It is a call to live in light of eternity.
The Choice: Every day, we are faced with a choice. Will we look down at the mud, or will we look up at the stars? Will we focus on the temporal, or will we focus on the eternal? Will we live for the applause of men, or the approval of God? The choice is ours.
The Challenge: This is not a natural way to live. The pull of the earth is strong. The gravity of sin is real. The distractions of the world are loud. But we are not left to do this in our own strength. The Holy Spirit empowers us to set our minds on things above. He gives us the desire and the ability to obey.
The Encouragement: The things of this earth are fading away. They are like grass that withers and flowers that fade (1 Peter 1:24). But the Word of the Lord stands forever. Our hope is secure. Our future is bright. The best is yet to come.
So, set your mind.
- When you wake up, set your mind on the mercy of God.
- When you work, set your mind on serving the King.
- When you eat, set your mind on the feast to come.
- When you suffer, set your mind on the glory that awaits.
Live each day in light of eternity. Let your thoughts be shaped by the reality of heaven. Let your actions be motivated by the hope of the resurrection. Let your heart be anchored in the love of God. For this is the secret to a life of peace, joy, and purpose.
Prayer
Father, I confess that I am often consumed with the things of this world. I get distracted by the noise, the stress, and the worries of daily life. Forgive me for being so earth-bound. Help me to lift my eyes to You. Help me to see the unseen. Fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I may set my mind on things above. Remind me that this world is not my home. Give me a pilgrim heart. Help me to live each day in light of eternity. May my life be a testament to the reality of Your Kingdom. I long for the day when I will see You face to face. Until then, help me to be faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Chiamaka Nweke