Selie Visa
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2
Setting the heart on things above is descriptive of one's aim for the practical pursuit of the Christian life. Setting the heart on things above does not mean withdrawal from all the activities of this world to engage only in contemplation of eternity and heaven. Christians must maintain normal relationships in this world, but genuine Christians will see everything against the background of eternity.
"Earthly things" are not all evil, though some of them are. Even things harmless in ourselves become harmful if permitted to take the place that should be reserved for the "things above." The "earthly things" may include wealth, worldly honor, power, pleasures, and the like. To make such things the goal of life and the subject of preoccupation is unworthy of those who have been raised with Christ and look forward to sharing in his eternal glory.
As disciples of Jesus we are to refrain from pursuing temporal things as our primary goal in order to differentiate themselves from pagans. Instead, we are to replace such pursuits with "seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness”.
Since Christians have died with Christ, all that is alien to him should be alien to us. Death with Christ is followed by resurrection with Christ. Live vertically by setting your minds on things above.
