How Do You Set Your Mind on Things Above?
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Our brains are designed to focus on something. The Scripture gives us the greatest aim of our attention: “Set your mind on things above.”
We all find something to focus on. Whether an idea, a person, or a cause, the human heart aligns with some purpose—even simply a desire for momentary comfort or pleasure. Or perhaps we are just trying to get through the day and survive.
God calls us to something higher, more enduring. He tells us to set our minds—thoughts, attention, and desires—on what is above.
But what are those “things above”? How do we set our minds there?
Where Does the Bible Say to ‘Set Your Mind on Things Above’?
The appeal to “set your mind on things above” appears in the book of Colossians. The Apostle Paul urges believers to anchor their thoughts and aspirations in heavenly realms.
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:1)
In these powerful words, Paul shows one of Christian spirituality’s fundamental principles: intentionally orienting one’s thoughts and focus toward heavenly, eternal realities rather than being consumed by temporal, earthly concerns.
This statement comes within Paul’s broader teachings in Colossians about the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. The apostle underscores the Christian life’s transformative nature. He emphasizes that having been raised with Christ, believers should actively seek the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
The instruction to “set your minds on things that are above” is a clarion call to a higher perspective. This spiritual mindset transcends earth’s immediate challenges and fleeting pleasures. It encourages believers to align their thoughts with God’s eternal purposes—to focus on the heavenly realm’s values, priorities, and truths.
What Does It Mean to ‘Set’ Our Minds on Things Above?
Paul’s choice of words is deliberate. The verb “set” implies an intentional and continuous action. It involves consciously orienting one’s thoughts, affections, and priorities toward the heavenly realm. This is not a passive suggestion but an active engagement.
The juxtaposition with “not on things that are on earth” highlights the two realms’ contrasting natures. While valid and necessary in context, earthly concerns should not dominate believers’ mindsets. Instead, the believer is encouraged to view earthly matters through the lens of eternity. They should bring heavenly values and principles to bear on their daily lives.
This biblical admonition remains timeless and relevant. In a world filled by temporal pursuits and material preoccupations, Paul’s words invite believers to cultivate a heavenly mindset. The shifted mindset will change attitudes, perspectives, and how believers respond to life’s challenges and opportunities.
Who Is Paul Addressing When He Says ‘Set Your Mind on Things Above’?
As mentioned earlier, Paul’s instruction to set our minds on things above comes in his letter to Christians in Colossae.
Colossae was an ancient city located in the Lycus River Valley in what is now Turkey. It was part of a strategic trio of cities (Laodicea and Hierapolis were the other two) on trade routes connecting the Mediterranean to the East. Colossae was a thriving city in its prime, known for its commerce and trade. However, it seems to have declined by the time of Paul’s letter compared to the other two cities.
Like many cities in the Roman Empire, Colossae had a diverse population. The city was influenced by Greek, Roman, and (thanks to its crossroads location) even Eastern cultures. The diverse milieu influenced the city’s religious and philosophical landscape.
Colossae’s diverse Christian congregation faced challenges from many influences, including false teachers and pagan philosophers seeking to undermine the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ.
Paul wrote his letter from prison to help the Colossian Christians face these challenges. He recognizes their shared commitment to the gospel and their identity as members of the body of Christ. He acknowledges their (internal and external) struggles. He seeks to equip them with spiritual principles to fortify their faith and guard against false teachings.
Like all believers, the Colossians lived in a world that bombarded them with earthly concerns, distractions, and competing worldviews. Paul’s exhortation to “set your mind on things above” is a strategic countermeasure. He gives them a spiritual discipline guarding them from getting trapped by the temporal and transient.
Does ‘Set Your Mind on Things Above’ Mean We Only Think about Religious Things?
The exhortation to “set your mind on things above” does not mean to focus on religious matters alone. Instead, Paul’s direction points to a holistic approach to life: he urges believers to cultivate a mindset beyond religious rituals. A mindset permeating every aspect of their existence.
My spiritual mentor, Larry Trammell, called this the eternal perspective. Others may use this term, but he considered the eternal perspective the primary lens to view all of life. From this verse and other passages, he taught me the crucial importance of having this eternal perspective in every area—family, marriage, work, career, community, education, and more.
Paul’s message of eternal perspective encourages a transformative focus influencing all of life.
His direction means Christians must reorient their mindsets toward the heavenly realm’s values and priorities. It involves acknowledging God’s sovereignty in every facet of life. It means recognizing His lordship over all creation, not just religious activities.
What Are the Things Above We Should Set Our Minds On?
It is tempting to relegate following God to religious moments and adopt a secular mindset for other areas of life. Paul’s call to set one’s mind on things above challenges believers to avoid compartmentalizing. It urges believers to view their entire existence through their relationship with God.
Practically, this means that the heavenly realm’s principles should influence every area of a believer’s life. These principles include:
- Love.
- Justice.
- Compassion.
- Righteousness.
It transcends a narrow understanding of religious devotion. It infuses love and truth into everyday interactions.
For example, setting one’s mind on things above in the workplace might involve approaching tasks with integrity, fairness, and a commitment to excellence. In relationships, it could mean embodying the principles of forgiveness, humility, and selflessness.
While prayer, worship, and study of religious texts remain crucial components of a believer’s life, the call to “set your mind on things above” extends an invitation to infuse divine principles into every thought, decision, and action. It challenges believers to embody the teachings of Jesus in the marketplace, the home, the community, and all other spheres of life.
How Can You Set Your Mind on Things Above Today?
Setting your mind on things above, or the eternal perspective, is not a lofty, unattainable ideal but a practical and transformative endeavor that can be pursued in your everyday life.
- Prioritize Spiritual Disciplines. Practically, every spiritual discipline from the Scripture engages in what is unseen. Prayer talks about God. Worship praises a God we can’t see with our eyes. Gathering with other believers declares we all have the same Father, God. Allocate time for intentional conversations with God, fostering a connection with the divine. Engage in regular study of the Bible to deepen your understanding of heavenly principles.
- Cultivate a Gratitude Practice. Develop a habit of gratitude, acknowledging and appreciating the blessings in your life. This practice shifts your focus from earthly concerns to recognizing God’s goodness, fostering a mindset aligned with heavenly principles.
- Filter Your Thoughts. The Scripture also tells us the Spirit has empowered us to tear down ideas and imaginations that come against the knowledge of God. Actively monitor your thought patterns. When negative or unwholesome thoughts arise, intentionally replace them with thoughts that align with biblical truths. Focus on virtues such as love, kindness, and humility, redirecting your mind towards heavenly values.
- Engage in Worship. The largest book in the Bible is Psalms, and not by accident. Praising God sharpens our eternal perspective. Create spaces (whether through music, prayer, or reflection time) where you express adoration and awe for God. This practice elevates your mindset, fostering an atmosphere of reverence and intimacy with the divine.
- Seek Divine Guidance in Decision-Making. Before making decisions, big or small, seek guidance through prayer. Acknowledge God’s wisdom and sovereignty, inviting His direction in your choices. Ask him what he is after in the situation. This practice ensures that your decisions align with heavenly principles.
- Practice Compassion. Extend compassion and kindness to others in your daily interactions. Emulate the love Christ exemplifies. Demonstrate understanding, empathy, and generosity. By prioritizing others’ well-being, we embody heavenly values.
- Set Eternal Priorities. We live what is most important to us. How does your life reflect eternal priorities? Evaluate your goals and priorities in light of heaven. While earthly ambitions are valid, ensure they align with heavenly values. This perspective helps you navigate life with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters in God’s kingdom.
- Serve Others Selflessly. Engage in acts of service without expecting reciprocation. Selfless service mirrors Christ’s sacrificial love and redirects your focus from personal gain to the well-being of others, embodying the selflessness inherent in heavenly principles.
- Embrace a Teachable Spirit. Nobody knows everything. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Cultivate a spirit of humility and openness to learning. Recognize that setting your mind on things above involves continuous growth and transformation. Be receptive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom in God’s Word.
- Community Involvement. We need one another. One part of Christ’s body can’t say to the other, “I don’t need you.” Regular gathering with other disciples clarifies the eternal perspective. Connect with a community of believers for mutual support and encouragement. Engaging with fellow Christians provides accountability and shared experiences, fostering an environment where setting minds on things above becomes a communal journey.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/m-gucci
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