Meditate on God's Word
Take a few quiet moments to reflect on today's message. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart as you read.
Reading time
4 min read
Introduction
The Christian life is not merely about attending church or professing faith. It is about living with a heavenly perspective while still on earth. When we accepted Christ, our priorities changed because our identity changed. Paul reminds believers that since they have been raised with Christ, they should no longer be controlled by earthly desires but should continually focus on heavenly things.
The direction of your focus determines the direction of your life. A believer whose mind is fixed on heaven will live differently from one whose heart is consumed by worldly pursuits.
1. Remember Your New Identity
Paul begins by saying, "If ye then be risen with Christ."
This means every genuine believer has experienced a spiritual resurrection. Our old sinful nature has been crucified with Christ, and we now live a new life.
2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature..."
Because we belong to Christ:
Our values should change.
Our desires should change.
Our lifestyle should change.
Our ambitions should glorify God.
A person cannot claim to belong to Christ while continuing to live only for earthly pleasures.
2. Seek the Things Above
Paul commands believers to seek heavenly things.
Seeking implies:
A deliberate decision.
Continuous effort.
Persistent desire.
The things above include:
God's Kingdom.
God's righteousness.
Holiness.
Love.
Obedience.
Eternal rewards.
Fellowship with Christ.
Jesus also taught this truth.
Matthew 6:33
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness..."
When God's Kingdom becomes our priority, every other need finds its proper place.
3. Set Your Mind on Heavenly Things
Verse 2 says,
"Set your affection on things above..."
This refers to fixing our thoughts and desires upon God's will.
Our thoughts shape our character.
Whatever occupies your mind eventually controls your actions.
A believer whose mind is continually filled with God's Word develops spiritual strength.
Philippians 4:8 encourages us to think about whatever is true, honest, pure, lovely and praiseworthy.
4. Do Not Be Controlled by Earthly Things
Paul does not teach us to ignore our earthly responsibilities.
Rather, he warns us not to become enslaved by worldly pursuits.
Many things compete for our attention:
Wealth.
Fame.
Social status.
Material possessions.
Pleasure.
Sinful desires.
These things are temporary.
Jesus asked,
Mark 8:36
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
A believer should use earthly possessions without allowing them to possess his heart.
5. Christ Is Our True Treasure
Paul reminds us that Christ is seated at God's right hand.
Our hope, inheritance and future are found in Him.
Where Christ is, our hearts should also be.
When Christ becomes our greatest treasure:
Prayer becomes a delight.
Worship becomes sincere.
Service becomes joyful.
Sacrifice becomes worthwhile.
Trials become easier to endure because we know our reward is eternal.
Biblical Examples
Abraham
Although wealthy, Abraham looked beyond earthly possessions.
Hebrews 11:10
"For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."
Moses
Moses chose God's purpose over Egypt's luxury.
Hebrews 11:24-26
He valued eternal reward above temporary pleasure.
Mary of Bethany
While Martha was distracted with many activities, Mary sat at Jesus' feet to hear His Word (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus said Mary had chosen "that good part."
How Can We Focus on Things Above?
Spend time daily reading and meditating on God's Word.
Maintain a consistent prayer life.
Worship God sincerely.
Serve others with love.
Live with eternity in view.
Avoid anything that weakens your relationship with Christ.
Invest your life in advancing God's Kingdom.
Benefits of Focusing on Things Above
Greater peace.
Spiritual growth.
Victory over temptation.
Clear direction in life.
Stronger faith.
Eternal rewards.
A deeper relationship with Christ.
Conclusion
The world constantly pulls our attention toward temporary things, but God calls us to lift our eyes higher. Earthly possessions fade, human applause disappears, and worldly success is temporary. Only what is done for Christ will last forever.
Let your heart, mind and ambition be centred on Christ. Live each day with eternity in view, and allow heaven to shape your decisions on earth.
