Why is it important to prioritize "things above" over earthly concerns? Setting Our Minds Above • Colossians 3:2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” • This command is literal: God calls us to fix our thoughts, desires, and priorities on heavenly realities rather than letting temporal pressures dictate life. • “Above” refers to the realm where Christ reigns (v. 1), guaranteeing that our focus is anchored in His authority and eternal purposes. Because Christ Is Our Life • Colossians 3:3-4 reminds us that we “died, and [our] life is now hidden with Christ in God” and that Christ “is [our] life.” • To prioritize anything beneath Him is to ignore who we truly are. • Philippians 3:20: “But our citizenship is in heaven.” Earthly matters are secondary; Christ governs our new identity. Eternal Perspective vs. Temporary Things • 2 Corinthians 4:18: “For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” • 1 John 2:17: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” • By valuing eternal truths, we avoid investing our lives in what cannot last—wealth, status, or pleasures that fade. Promised Provision and Freedom from Worry • Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” • God Himself supplies material needs when His kingdom is our first pursuit, freeing us from anxiety about daily concerns (Matthew 6:25-34). Practical Ways to Seek Things Above • Daily Scripture intake—let heavenly truth reshape thinking (Psalm 119:105). • Persistent prayer—align desires with God’s will (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Corporate worship—regularly lift eyes beyond the immediate (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Serving others—invest in works that follow us into eternity (Revelation 14:13). • Generous giving—transfer treasure to heaven’s account (Matthew 6:19-21). The Result: Peace, Purpose, Witness • God’s peace rules our hearts when Christ is central (Colossians 3:15). • Purpose clarifies as we live for what cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). • A watching world sees hope that transcends circumstances (1 Peter 3:15), drawing them to the Savior who reigns above. |
    |