Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2
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In yesterday’s devotion, Paul reminded the Colossian believers that true spiritual life is not produced merely through outward rules, harsh discipline, or religious performance, but through the new life believers have in union with Christ. Even when we try hard to control ourselves, our hearts still long for affirmation, satisfaction, and control over our lives. Deep down, we still need Christ to renew us from within.
Today, in Colossians 3:1–4, Paul shifts our eyes from earthly things to “things above.” He says, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (3:1–2)
Paul is not telling Christians to escape reality or ignore the world, as though our only job is to wait for heaven. Rather, he reminds us that since our lives have been renewed through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the centre of our lives, our value, and our hope should no longer be built on this world that will one day pass away.
Yet it is so easy for us to make earthly things the centre of our lives. We may no longer depend on strict religious rules or extreme spiritual practices. But we still work hard to gain approval. We manage our image so others will recognise us. We chase success because we believe achievement gives us worth. Even serving in church can become a way of proving that we are spiritually mature.
The problem is that none of these earthly things can truly hold us up. Jobs change. Relationships break. Health fades. Human praise disappears. Many people may seem fine on the outside, yet live with constant anxiety and fear inside because they do not know who they are once these things are taken away.
But Paul says, “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (3:3)
This is the deep comfort of the Gospel. For those who belong to Christ, our true life is no longer defined by the world, but hidden safely in Christ and held securely by God Himself. This means that even when circumstances change, when life feels unstable, or when people misunderstand us, our identity in Christ remains secure.
Why? Because Jesus has already accomplished salvation for us. We belong to God, not because we earned it through our own efforts, but because Christ redeemed us through the cross.
This is why “the things above” are better than “earthly things.” Earthly security can be lost, but the life we have in Christ will never perish. Even though we still live in the midst of busyness, pressure, and struggles today, we know that our identity is no longer determined by this world or by the opinions of people, but is found in the risen Christ who is seated at the right hand of God.
Reflection:
What is the thing you fear losing the most today? What is your sense of security truly built upon?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, we confess that our hearts are so easily captured by the things of this world. We long for approval, stability, success, and control, yet we often forget that our lives are already hidden in You. And as a result, our hearts are often filled with anxiety and unrest. Thank You that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we no longer need to prove our worth through our performance. Help us to turn our eyes back to You, so that even in a restless and uncertain world, we may continue to find true hope and peace in Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Click to read passage
In yesterday’s devotion, Paul reminded the Colossian believers that true spiritual life is not produced merely through outward rules, harsh discipline, or religious performance, but through the new life believers have in union with Christ. Even when we try hard to control ourselves, our hearts still long for affirmation, satisfaction, and control over our lives. Deep down, we still need Christ to renew us from within.
Today, in Colossians 3:1–4, Paul shifts our eyes from earthly things to “things above.” He says, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (3:1–2)
Paul is not telling Christians to escape reality or ignore the world, as though our only job is to wait for heaven. Rather, he reminds us that since our lives have been renewed through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the centre of our lives, our value, and our hope should no longer be built on this world that will one day pass away.
Yet it is so easy for us to make earthly things the centre of our lives. We may no longer depend on strict religious rules or extreme spiritual practices. But we still work hard to gain approval. We manage our image so others will recognise us. We chase success because we believe achievement gives us worth. Even serving in church can become a way of proving that we are spiritually mature.
The problem is that none of these earthly things can truly hold us up. Jobs change. Relationships break. Health fades. Human praise disappears. Many people may seem fine on the outside, yet live with constant anxiety and fear inside because they do not know who they are once these things are taken away.
But Paul says, “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (3:3)
This is the deep comfort of the Gospel. For those who belong to Christ, our true life is no longer defined by the world, but hidden safely in Christ and held securely by God Himself. This means that even when circumstances change, when life feels unstable, or when people misunderstand us, our identity in Christ remains secure.
Why? Because Jesus has already accomplished salvation for us. We belong to God, not because we earned it through our own efforts, but because Christ redeemed us through the cross.
This is why “the things above” are better than “earthly things.” Earthly security can be lost, but the life we have in Christ will never perish. Even though we still live in the midst of busyness, pressure, and struggles today, we know that our identity is no longer determined by this world or by the opinions of people, but is found in the risen Christ who is seated at the right hand of God.
Reflection:
What is the thing you fear losing the most today? What is your sense of security truly built upon?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, we confess that our hearts are so easily captured by the things of this world. We long for approval, stability, success, and control, yet we often forget that our lives are already hidden in You. And as a result, our hearts are often filled with anxiety and unrest. Thank You that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we no longer need to prove our worth through our performance. Help us to turn our eyes back to You, so that even in a restless and uncertain world, we may continue to find true hope and peace in Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.