We’re now moving from a time when Paul was preaching the Word and teaching the Colossians about some theological aspects of the faith to a time when he is going to instruct and exhort them in how to live; what to do and what not to do; what is godly and what is not.

Today he gets to the heart of the matter of setting our minds on “things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.”

Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ.

Colossians 2:8 (CSB)

That’s good advice for Christians, especially when our culture seems to be going in all the wrong directions. We can get so tied up in the news and the issues of the day; so many worries and concerns that we forget that we are dead to this world and way of doing things and are united with Christ. We forget that we should be clothed with Him, and so should set our minds on things above where He is, instead of all of these things that are around us. We should be putting off those things of the world, those concerns, those issues. Things like “sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness.” We should look at things that divide us and put them off as well because they are a part of this world. We are to set our minds on higher things, on things Above. Because if we are dead in Christ, then we should be dead to this world.

Certainly those things will still affect us and touch us, and we will be hurt by some of them. That is the reality of being still on this side of eternity. But the reality for Christians is that our Home is above and our mind should be on what is Above; not stuck here, not worried here, not concerned with anything here.

We look to Christ and what He has already done for us. That He has already conquered all of these things here – even death itself. So since we are dead to these as well now, let us look to Him. Let us look Above. Let us look on the godly, holy things, the higher things, and not on the things here.

Christ has already accomplished it all for us, for all, forever.

“Thank you, Lord, for conquering all of what is down here on earth, all of the bad that affects us each and every day. Thank you for letting us die to them as well through faith in You. Help us now, Lord, focus not on the things here, but on You and the things above; on how to act in a spiritual way; in a way that is holy; in a way that is pure; in a way that is honorable; and not in ways of our culture and world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Scriptures

  • Colossians 3:1-17
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