If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1-3 NKJV

The faith of the Colossian Gentiles was growing. However, because heresies were introduced to the Church, they risked losing their spiritual blessings. (Read Colossians 2:11-23). Paul, in attempt to dispel the false teachings, reminded the church that accepting Jesus as their Lord and Saviour meant they were no longer part of this world; they were now citizens of heaven and should focus on heavenly things, rather than earthly things.

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Romans 8:5 NIV.

Seek First His Kingdom

This means, from the time we accepted Jesus, our old self died. As a result, we are now new persons so our focus should be on pleasing God rather than the world. We should not allow earthy things, like money and possessions, to dominate us. Instead we must focus on laying treasures in heaven.

Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

Matthew 6:20 NLT

A few years ago, someone stole my mother’s entire life savings. My mother has dementia, and the individual took advantage of her condition. Although I had no choice to report the crime, the Lord told me not to try to retrieve the money. With His guidance, I rebuilt her finances which took time. But during that time, the Lord provided, and I experienced first-hand Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”.

This whole incident changed my life, and I drew closer to God. Moreover, if I continue to live my life wholeheartedly for Him, I know He will continue to provide for my family and me.

Think Good Thoughts

A lot of the stress and anxiety we face come from worrying over finances, material goods, relationships (or lack of), health issues, and careers.

I, too, am dealing with a disturbing situation at work that causes a lot of negative thinking on my part. In this circumstance, it is difficult for me to think positive thoughts. All I can do is pray about it and wait for the Lord’s intervention.

According to verywellmind.com, “… people tend to focus more on the negative as they try to make sense of the world. It is the “bad things” that grab our attention, stick to our memories, and, in many cases, influence the decisions that we make.”

This means our minds are wired to focus on negative things rather than positive things, and this constant focus on the negative is called negativity bias.

It takes a lot of effort to focus on positive things. But as Christians, we must. This is what sets us apart from the rest of the world. The way we think. To do this, we must set our minds on heavenly things. Philippians 4:8 gives us some examples of what we should be thinking about:

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Philippians 4:8 NLT

Christ Lives in You

One of the things that help me a lot is a gratitude journal. Recording the good things that happen to me in a gratitude journal, I am reminded of God’s goodness and his blessings. This helps me to set my mind on heavenly things.

I have no doubt the Lord will sort my work situation out. Everything is in his hands and I will be patient and trust his timing.

Colossians 3:3 says we died, and our life is hidden with Christ in God. Christ lives in us, so we are to take on his character. Remember, our old self died. We are new. We are now like Jesus.

For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:19-20 NLT.

Reflect and Respond

What are some things you can do to help you focus on heavenly things?

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the times I have let negative things consume my thoughts. Help me to fill my mind with heavenly things; things that are true, honourable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and worthy of praise. Fill my mind with things that please You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.