LETTERS

LETTERS: On Things Above

Day 3

Read Colossians 3

Colossians three provides insight and instructions on how to daily walk the Christian life amidst the culture we live in. Paul jumps straight into this by starting with the state of our minds in verse two: “Set your minds on things above, not on things that are on Earth.” (ESV) He knows that a simple command like this is actually extremely difficult for us as believers. In these modern times, we are bombarded in every direction by distractions: school, work, family, dating, friends, social media, and the list goes on indefinitely.

It becomes even more difficult to keep our minds on “things above” when all these distractions are surrounded by a body of non-believers. Our culture will tell us: “it’s all ok," “You do you,” “Find your truth.”

In contrast, Paul points us back to the real truth, a life that chooses to pursue Jesus. He says in verses three and five, “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God…put to death therefore what is earthly in you.” He goes on with a list of potential earthly distractions, such as sexual immorality, covetousness, anger, and obscene talk. Paul points out that at the heart of all these distractions is the sin of idolatry. Idolatry underlies all other sins. When we obsessively pursue things of this earth, sometimes even good things like family, dating, and school, we are saying that we are not content or satisfied with our God who not only created those earthly things, but is sovereign over them too.

Paul continues in verse twelve with how to live out a life that is pursuant of God: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another…” Paul adds to this list in verse fourteen, saying, “and above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” These verses can seem so counterintuitive in today’s culture that constantly preaches instant gratification and self-satisfaction. 

Paul’s contrasting list provides examples of selfless living. Instead of living with the focus to serve ourselves, a shift is made to focus on serving others, which ultimately serves God. We know as believers that this temporary life is not about pleasing and glorifying ourselves, but glorifying God. And when our hearts are truly set “on things above,” we find that our hearts and minds can be satisfied in a more eternal perspective. Paul concludes the chapter with this encouragement in verse twenty-three: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.”

Reflection Questions

Leave a comment (anonymous or not) regarding one of these questions below or another point from the devotional

What earthly distractions (good or bad) consume your thoughts throughout the day more than God consumes your thoughts?

Does it cause you anxiety to think about letting go of these things? Why or why not?

Be honest with yourself: do you care more for pleasing God or do you first look to please yourself? How do you feel about that?