In what ways can we set our hearts on "things above"? Raised with Christ—The Launching Point “Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1) Our new life in the risen Christ is the reason—and the power—for aiming our hearts heavenward. Everything that follows grows out of this resurrection reality. Daily Habits That Aim the Heart Upward • Scripture first: open the day in God’s Word (Psalm 119:11; Matthew 4:4). • Ongoing conversation: weave prayer through chores, commutes, meetings (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Praise on your lips: sing or speak thanksgiving when anxiety intrudes (Psalm 34:1; Philippians 4:6-7). • Evening reflection: rehearse evidences of God’s faithfulness before sleep (Psalm 63:6-7). Saturate the Mind with Heaven’s Truth “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) • Memorize key passages—Philippians 4:8, Romans 12:2—to recall in idle moments. • Listen to audio Scripture or Christ-centered podcasts while driving or exercising. • Post verses where eyes linger: mirrors, dashboards, phone lock screens. • Replace worldly entertainment with material that magnifies Christ and His kingdom. Redirect Affections Through Worship • Join corporate worship faithfully (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Keep a running gratitude list; gratitude loosens the grip of lesser loves (Colossians 3:15-17). • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper with fresh wonder; it rehearses eternity in the present (1 Corinthians 11:26). Guard the Heart from Earthly Counterfeits “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature…” (Colossians 3:5) • Identify specific “earth-bound” attachments—greed, sensuality, status—and sever their supply lines. • Fast periodically from social media, shopping, or news cycles to expose hidden dependencies (1 John 2:15-17). • Invite accountable friends to speak truth when old idols resurface (Proverbs 27:6). Live Out Kingdom Values Now • Serve the body of Christ; eternal rewards outshine earthly applause (Matthew 20:26-28; 1 Peter 4:10). • Practice generosity; treasure transferred heavenward never decays (Matthew 6:19-21). • Share the gospel; every conversation could echo into eternity (2 Corinthians 5:20). Strengthen an Eternal Perspective in Trials “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18) • Remember that afflictions are “light and momentary” compared with the coming glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). • Recall that our “citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20); suffering here can’t cancel that passport. • Encourage fellow believers who hurt; mutual comfort accelerates hope (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). Keeping Eyes on the Prize “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) Setting the heart on things above is not escapism; it is anchoring life in what is ultimately real. As we treasure Christ, immerse in His Word, and live for His kingdom, heaven’s values invade earth—and our hearts beat in time with eternity. |
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