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
Life can often feel like a busy marketplace, with each stall clamoring for our attention—jobs, bills, relationships, and even our desires and dreams. It’s so easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle, focusing solely on what’s right in front of us. But a gentle whisper invites us to look up and remember there’s more to life than this daily grind, a realm of spiritual growth and fulfillment.
Paul’s message to the Colossians is like a friend tapping us on the shoulder, reminding us to remember the bigger picture. When we decide to follow Jesus, it’s as if we started living a new life—one that’s connected to something bigger than just our day-to-day concerns. Our real story, our true self, is hidden away with Christ in God’s care—a beautiful mystery inviting us to explore a life about more than just surviving.
Jesus once said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This idea is at the heart of setting our minds on heavenly things. It’s all about what we value most; what we treasure shows where our loyalty lies.
Choosing to focus on heavenly things means reshaping our wants, goals, and thoughts to match up with what lasts forever—the kind of love that always looks out for others, fairness that sets things right, kindness that forgives, humility that puts others first, and peace that goes beyond understanding. It’s a transformation that brings a new depth and richness to our lives, a perspective that transcends the fleeting and embraces the eternal.
This heavenly viewpoint doesn’t mean we ignore our life here. Instead, it fills our daily lives with purpose and direction. It changes how we tackle problems, treat others, and what we see as true success. It turns our understanding of what’s essential upside down, giving us a new definition of happiness and fulfillment.
So, how do we start seeing things this way? Dive into the Bible, letting its words shape your thoughts and actions. Pray and talk honestly with God, sharing your heart and seeking His kingdom. And don’t go it alone—find strength and encouragement by sharing this journey with friends who are looking up, too.
C.S. Lewis once said, “If you aim for heaven, you’ll get earth thrown in; aim for earth, and you get neither.” It’s a nudge for us to think about what we’re after. Are we okay with just the here and now, or are we longing for something more—something lasting?
So, what’s your focus? Are you caught up in the day-to-day, or is your heart set on something bigger, on God’s bigger plan? It’s a question worth pondering, a choice that shapes our entire life.
Prayer
Dear God, help us remember to look up and see beyond today’s worries to Your bigger plan. Teach us to value what lasts forever and to live every day with that bigger picture in mind. Let our lives be more than just getting by; it is about living fully, with love and purpose, because we know we’re part of Your grand story. Help us when we forget and get caught up in the small stuff. Remind us we’re not just here for ourselves but to share Your love and peace with everyone around us. Thank You for watching over us and guiding us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- Think about what you spend most of your time and energy on. How can you shift some of that focus toward things that last?
- What’s one thing that’s truly important to you? How does that align with God’s values? How can you live that value out more every day?
Step of Faith
- Take a moment each morning to think about Colossians 3:1-2. Ask God to help you see your day from a heavenly perspective.
- Pick one way each week to show a bit of heaven on earth—maybe it’s being kind when it’s hard, helping out someone in need, or just listening to someone having a tough time. At the end of the week, reflect on how this made a difference for you and them.
