DEVELOPING A SPIRITUALLY FOCUSED MINDSET

“So, if you have been raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3

I believe that Paul is giving us one of the great principles of living out the Christian Life. We must devote ourselves to cultivating a spiritually focused mindset about life.  This is much more than an occasional religious thought or even a daily devotional.  There are two primary commands Paul gives for developing this spiritually focused mind. First, we are commanded to seek those things that are above.  To seek is to strive for and reach for heavenly realities.  Our greatest goal in life must be holiness and the knowledge of God and His will. Secondly, we are to set our minds on things above.  This describes the spiritual discipline of focusing our thought life on Jesus Christ and his glory.  The one who sets his mind on heavenly things will consistently read, memorize and mediate upon Scripture. His or her conversation will naturally move toward Christ and His Word.  A spiritually focused mindset will fulfill the duties and responsibilities of life, but always with the glory of God in mind.  All of life becomes an opportunity to know and to serve God.

Someone once said to me they were afraid of becoming so heavenly minded they would be of no earthly good. I have never understood this.  I have known many believers who were so worldly minded they were of no heavenly use, but never the opposite. In fact, the more spiritually focused our minds become the more earthly good we are! We become greater witnesses, more effective prayer warriors, and more loving husbands and fathers. 

So – seek after and set your minds on things above!