November 16, 2024

Colossians 3.2 (NIV)
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

You must not only seek heaven; you must also think heaven.*

If you continue reading in Colossians chapter three, you will see a list of “earthly things”- things that lead to the wrath of God, and, frankly, things that “go without saying.” We’re not in doubt as to the earthly nature of these things; but, in the chapter prior to this one, there is a list of “religious” things that, surprisingly, Paul also calls “earthly.” Examples of this sort of activity are: regulations that have an appearance of wisdom, self-imposed worship, false humility, and harsh treatment of the body. Paul says these lack value and are destined to perish because they are based on human commands and teachings.

Any time we find a command in the Bible, we also find that we have a choice. Not just the I can choose to do it or not kind of choice, but the kind that says you are able to do something about your condition. When Paul writes that we should set our minds on things above, it means that it is possible for us to do it. If we aren’t thinking about heavenly things, it’s because it is our choice to dwell on earthly things. “I can’t help it” is not an excuse.

It is easy for us to get so caught up in religion that we lose sight of Christ. The Christian life is about more than meditating on Heaven. And it is more than being religious. Rid yourself of the trappings of your earthly nature and replace them with their opposites!

God made us as free-will creatures who are able to sin, but who are also able not to sin.*