Excerpted with permission from the Rhythms for Life Bible Study by Lifeway Adults. Copyright 2026, Lifeway Press.
"¹So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ²Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Colossians 3:1-3 CSB
Have you ever sought Christ with intentional focus for an extended period of time? If you have, then you know that when your mind is set on Jesus, you view the world differently. If you haven't done it before, you'll experience that in the days and weeks to come. When you set your heart on the things above, your whole being is focused more on Jesus and His work than the things going on around you—and that changes everything.
The phrase set your minds (v. 2) means "to think, ponder, consider." This is a command to make a daily choice to focus on your life with Christ. Paul is not encouraging you to adopt a "Pollyanna" type of mentality where everything is happy and carefree. When your life is hidden with Christ in God, bad things still happen. You still grieve it. You still experience the effects of sin. However, your perspective changes.
When you "set your mind on things above, not on earthly things," you will rest in the eternal security you have in Christ, knowing God will never give up on you. You will know you are forgiven and God is working to mature you with a new focus. You will know the things of this earth will fade away, but eternal realities will continue for billions of years. You will know those years will continue to be meaningful and even celebrated throughout eternity.
Do you know these truths personally? Set your mind on the things above. The reality that decision contains for you is limitless.