Renew Your MindSample

Day 3: Set Your Mind on Things Above

Scripture:
“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 (NIV)

Devotional:

When you became a follower of Christ, everything changed, even if your feelings didn’t catch up immediately. Paul begins this passage with a powerful reminder of identity: “You have been raised with Christ.” In other words, you’re no longer bound by the world's old patterns, priorities, and thought systems. You’ve been resurrected into a new way of living, and with that comes a new way of thinking.

Paul gives two clear commands: set your hearts and minds on things above. These are not passive statements. The word "set" implies intention, discipline, and direction. Just as a thermostat doesn’t change the temperature until someone sets it, our minds won’t drift toward heaven by accident. We must intentionally redirect them to higher things that align with Christ, who is seated in glory.

It’s easy to allow our thoughts to settle into the patterns of earthly thinking: worry, comparison, materialism, pride, fear of man, or self-preservation. The world constantly shouts for our attention. Screens, schedules, and headlines bombard our minds every day. But our faith will never soar if our thoughts remain tethered to the ground. That’s why Scripture calls us upward, not into escapism, but into alignment with the realities of heaven.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This establishment is not a call to ignore the needs and responsibilities of everyday life. It’s a call to view everything in life through an eternal lens. It’s learning to approach your work, relationships, decisions, and thought life from the perspective of God’s kingdom.

We see how small many of our daily anxieties are when we think heavenward. We remember that our value isn’t based on performance or appearance but on being hidden with Christ in God. Our thoughts begin to reflect the truth that we are not our past, our failures, or our roles. We are in Christ, and He is our life.

That phrase, “Christ, who is your life,” is a game-changer. Jesus isn’t just part of your life; He is your life. The more this truth roots itself in your mind, the more your thoughts will shift. You’ll start seeing yourself through His eyes. You’ll see others differently, too, not as obstacles or enemies but as souls deeply loved by God.

This perspective brings clarity and peace. When we set our minds on things above, we anchor ourselves to what is unchanging, holy, and eternal. Earthly things, whether good or bad, are temporary. But the things above? They’re forever. Love. Grace. Truth. Holiness. God’s promises. These are the truths that stabilize the mind and direct the heart.

So, how do we practically set our minds on things above?

• Start with Scripture. The Word of God is heaven’s voice on earth. Reading, meditating, and applying it daily shifts our thinking heavenward.
• Pray frequently. We shouldn’t approach God solely in crisis but as a rhythm of life. Prayer lifts our thoughts from the horizontal to the vertical.
• Be intentional about your input. What you consume shapes your thoughts. Music, news, entertainment, and conversations all feed your mind. Choose inputs that elevate your thoughts toward Christ.
• Pause and reset. Throughout the day, take moments to realign. When your thoughts start spiraling downward, take them captive and look up.

Today, make the conscious choice to lift your thoughts. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Anchor your mind in truth. You are no longer bound to the things of this world. You’ve been raised with Christ, so set your mind where He resides: on the throne in Heaven and in your heart.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for raising me with you. Help me today to set my mind on the things above. When I’m tempted to focus on fear, stress, or the opinions of others, remind me of who I am in you. Teach me to live from the truth that you have hidden my life. Fill my thoughts with what is true, noble, and eternal. I fix my mind on you today. It is in the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen.