Read: Colossians 3:1-4
Reflect:
- Christians are sometimes accused of “being so heavenly minded they are of no earthly good.” Unfortunately, we’ve often earned that accusation. But we shouldn’t blame it on God. Nor on commands like this one. To seek “things above” doesn’t mean to get lost in the clouds nor to think only on things that are “up there” (whatever that means).
- This command is a metaphorical way of saying, “Learn to think about life the way God thinks about life.” In other words, we are going to have our minds transformed by considering the perspective that God might take on every situation that we face. It’s trite, but the old “What would Jesus do?” saying is not a bad strategy.
- But none of that comes easily to us. It certainly doesn’t come naturally. Our minds are controlled by the flesh and that is often antagonistic to God. Paul realizes that we need to discipline ourselves to regularly seek God’s opinion, attitude or commands on various situations we confront. The more we “set our minds,” the more consistently we’ll respond appropriately.
Respond:
- So, just what is God’s attitude toward: Poverty? Hunger? Unforgiveness? If you aren’t sure, begin seeking to know what God thinks.
- Reading Scripture is just one way to “set your minds above” or to know “things above.” How often do you spend time in Scripture? Is it enough?
- Next time you face a decision, simply ask the question, “What does God think about this?”
Pray: Ask God to help you think more like He does. Commit yourself to God to be more consistent in pursuing His ideals for life. Pray that we offer good insight, as a church, into the mind of God.
