Set
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“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:1 – 4).
The word “set” brings a vivid image to my mind – something that is fixed and immovable that comes about by a conscious and deliberate act.
In these verses, we receive clear direction for what we are to set, where we are to set it and why we are called to set these things.
What?
“Our hearts and minds” are the source of all our feelings and thoughts. How we think and what we feel will determine how we live.
Where?
“Things above” refers to heaven, where God rules and Christ intercedes for us, as well as to spiritual matters and anything of eternal significance. Because our hearts and minds are the driving force behind everything we say and do, God instructs us to focus those aspects of our being on Him. We are to concentrate on eternal things rather than the temporary material stuff of earth.
Why?
“For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” refers to the fact that our old self, our sinful nature, was crucified with Christ. That means we are no longer slaves to anger, selfishness, materialism or immorality.
As well, since we have been raised with Christ we have a new life full of hope. Now, we live for God. We pursue His desires rather than our own. What a glorious reason to set our hearts and minds on things above.
Heavenly Father, it is only with your strength that I will be able to set my heart and mind on things above, things that are of You. Thank you that Christ has indeed been raised from the dead. I desire to live all my days for You.
Questions: What are ways that you set your heart and mind? How can we help each other to focus on things above, not on earthy things?
About the Author Suzanne Benner
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Praise Ye the Lord, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
thank you
Suzanne, thank you for the devotional. without God I can do nothing, yet with Him I can do anything. He is always with me. Amen
Spending time in God’s Word and with His people helps us to meditate on ‘things above,’ for this is how we are nourished spiritually! Allowing His Spirit to teach us, to mold us, to transform us more into the image of Christ, will redirect our priorities, and draw us closer to God’s purpose and plan for us. When we have tasted and found that the Lord is good, the world, and all it’s pleasures, never satisfy again!
This is an awesome Word. That’s exactly where I am… I am determined to be set with my eyes on God, no matter what my circumstances. I’m trusting my Deliverer! :)