DAY 135—The Way Forward—Set Your Mind on Things Above

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” — Colossians 3:1 (ESV)
​
The Christian life is not merely about believing the right truths; it is about living them. Doctrine is not meant to remain on the pages of our Bibles or in the thoughts of our minds. Truth is meant to transform our lives. After spending the first two chapters of Colossians establishing the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul now turns to practical application. In essence, he says, “Since these things are true, this is how you ought to live.”

Warren Wiersbe writes, “Having laid the doctrinal foundation, Paul now makes the personal application, for truth is something to live as well as to learn.” Christianity is not simply a set of beliefs; it is a new way of life.

Paul begins with a powerful reminder of our new identity in Christ: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above” (Colossians 3:1). The word if could be translated since. Since you have been raised with Christ, live differently. Since you belong to Jesus, your priorities should change. Since your citizenship is in heaven, your perspective should be heavenly.

This is not a call to ignore life on earth. Rather, it is a call to view life on earth through the lens of eternity.

Paul continues: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2). The phrase set your minds speaks of intentional focus. What occupies your thoughts ultimately shapes your actions. If your mind is consumed with earthly things, worldly desires will follow. But when your mind is fixed on Christ, your life begins to reflect His character.

This is why Paul reminds believers: “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). The old person has died. The old identity no longer defines you. The old life no longer owns you. Through faith in Christ, you have been given a new nature and a new purpose.

And one day, “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). Notice that Paul does not merely say Christ gives life. He says Christ is your life. That is the goal of discipleship. Christ is not merely to be part of your life. He is to become the very center of your life. He must be all, and we must be all-in.

Because of this new identity, Paul calls believers to action: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you” (Colossians 3:5). The language is strong. Paul does not say manage it, tolerate it, or negotiate with it. He says kill it.

Sin is never something to be entertained. It is something to be crucified. Paul lists sexual immorality, impurity, evil desires, covetousness, and idolatry. These things belong to the old life. They belong to the graveyard, not the resurrection life. The believer must refuse to give them room to breathe.

The same principle applies to attitudes and speech. Paul writes: “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth” (Colossians 3:8). He adds, “Do not lie to one another” (Colossians 3:9).

Think about Lazarus in John 11. Jesus raised him from the dead, but Lazarus still came out wrapped in graveclothes. Jesus then instructed those around him: “Unbind him, and let him go” (John 11:44). In the same way, believers have been given new life in Christ, yet many continue wearing the graveclothes of the old life.

Dr. Tony Evans asks a powerful question: “Will those clothes match what Jesus did in my life? Or will they dirty up what Jesus made clean?” The Christian life is not simply about taking things off, however. It is also about putting on what God desires.

Paul says believers have “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:10). This new life transcends every earthly distinction. “Here there is not Greek and Jew... slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11).

The ground is level at the foot of the cross.

Then Paul describes the wardrobe of grace that every believer should wear. “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12). These qualities reflect the very character of Jesus Christ.
Among them stands one of the greatest marks of spiritual maturity: forgiveness.

Paul writes: “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:13). Forgiveness does not excuse sin or pretend wrong never happened. Rather, forgiveness releases the debt and entrusts justice to God.

Why do we forgive? Because we have been forgiven. Every believer stands as a recipient of extraordinary mercy. The cross reminds us that God canceled an impossible debt we could never repay. When we remember how much grace we have received, extending grace becomes possible.

Dr. Evans wisely notes, “If you refuse to forgive, you have blocked God's operation in your life. But when you forgive, you imitate the One who shows you mercy.”

Paul then reaches the pinnacle of Christian character: “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14). Love is the garment that holds every other virtue together. Without love, kindness becomes duty. Patience becomes tolerance. Service becomes obligation. Love transforms them all into worship.
Paul continues: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15). The word rule carries the idea of an umpire making a decision. When believers are surrendered to Christ, His peace guides their hearts and confirms His direction.

When fear dominates, something is often out of alignment. But when our minds are fixed on Christ and our lives are surrendered to His will, His peace becomes a steady guide through uncertain circumstances.

Paul then provides the fuel for this life of transformation: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). A believer cannot consistently think heavenly thoughts while neglecting God's Word. Scripture fills our minds, shapes our values, renews our thinking, and directs our decisions.

Finally, Paul summarizes the entire chapter with one sweeping command: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).

That is the test for every decision, every conversation, every action, and every relationship. Does this honor Jesus? Does this reflect His character? Does this advance His reputation?

Today, put off the graveclothes of the old life. Put to death the sins that seek to entangle you. Put on compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and love. Let the peace of Christ rule your heart. Let the Word of Christ fill your mind.

And above all, set your mind on things above. Because when Christ becomes your focus, everything else begins to find its proper place.
​
Prayer
Father, thank You for raising us to new life through Jesus Christ. Help us set our minds on things above and not become consumed with the temporary things of this world. Give us strength to put to death the sins of the old life and to walk in the freedom You have given us. Help us put on compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and love. Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and the Word of Christ dwell in us richly. Teach us to live every moment with Your glory in mind and to do all things in the name of Jesus. May our lives reflect the character of Christ and bring honor to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

---