Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth… (Colossians 3:2)
When our mind is set on earthly things, we are often overwhelmed by them. We think about not having enough time to get everything done. And yet time is not a problem in heaven, because everything is timeless and eternal there. When we dwell on earthly things we think about how heavy the load is. But in heaven there is no such thing as a crushing load. For God will remove all pain and suffering and wipe away every tear.
You may say: “That’s true in heaven but we are here on earth.”
And yet we are also told in Ephesians that if we are in Christ we are in fact “in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Somehow, by His Spirit and power at work within us we are simultaneously living in the heavenly kingdom and on earth at the same time. So therefore we know that we actually have heaven’s power at work within us while we are here on earth. That should be something we should meditate on!
When we think about the things that are here on earth we think about sin and oppressors and despotic/tyrannical leaders. When we think about earthly things, we think about trauma, abandonment and betrayal. But when we think about heavenly things we think about redemption, forgiveness and eternal life. When we keep our mind fixed on the things above we think about deliverance from guilt and shame as well as freedom from loneliness, sickness and death.
This verse builds on the first verse, which reminds us that Jesus is seated on His throne in heaven. And when we think about this we are reminded that He is there actively interceding for us. In addition to this He is preparing a place for us and awaiting the moment His Father sends Him back to gather His bride (the church) and bring her to glory.
To spend our time thinking about these things has far more value, depth, beauty and power than thinking about the things that are broken here on earth. This Bible verse is not about ignoring the plight of humanity on earth but instead fixing our mind on the answer, the provision, the redemption and the salvation that is available from heaven in spite of whatever is going on here on earth.
Will you choose to keep your mind on Christ and on heavenly things?
Will you surrender now to God the earthly things that you cannot control anyway?
Pastor Michael Johnson 