Set your mind on things above. It’s a verse that has been repeated a time or two in Christian circles. But what does it mean? And how does it help us follow after and walk with Jesus?

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. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:1-5

Jesus is making all things new. When He choose death on a cross, burial, and resurrection he conquered all powers of darkness and redeemed us through His blood (Colossians 1:13-15). Because of Him we are no longer bond by the chains of sin. We no longer have to live for our own selfish lusts and desires. We are free to live by the power of the Spirit — walking worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him, and bearing fruit (Colossians 1:10).

“But how?” you ask, “I still feel trapped. My sin gets the better of me and I don’t feel like I am able to follow Christ the way I should.”

Set your mind in things above.

It is easy to look in the mirror and see all our faults and to focus on the the things we are getting wrong. Satan shouts at us, accusing us day and night of every failures. He wants us dwelling in guilt. He wants us to believe we will never get our acts together. But he is wrong.

Christ is coming. He is coming back. And when He does we will appear with Him in glory.

So set your mind — keep your eyes — on Jesus. He has made you new. You are a new creation. He has set you free. Free from sin, free from death, free from all powers of darkness. You are free to live for him.

Will we fail? Will we fall? Yes, we are a sinners living in a sinful world. But this is not the end. We are children of Father and because of the blood of His firstborn son He sees us as spotless.

So…

…as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:12-17

When Paul said “Set your mind on things above” he was directing believers to believe they have been made new. He was telling us that “we are invited to live in the present as if the new creation arrived when Jesus rose from the dead” (The Bible Project).

Let’s live like we are new creations in Christ.

Lord in heaven, I as so thankful that this earth is not my home. I am thankful that while I walk this earth I am not alone. As I struggle to believe that I am free from sin you have surrounded me with other believers and given me your Spirit to guide, encourage, and walk with me. By your power, may I walk worthy of you, please you, and bear fruit. In the name of your Son I pray. Amen.

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Friends,

As with all #QuietlyThrough posts, this was written while reading quietly through God’s word. If you’re looking for a simple Bible reading plan that moves at an easy pace then the Quietly Through reading plan may be for you.

Only by grace,

Kelli

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