How to Set your Mind on Things Above: 6 Ways to Keep your Eyes on God

Spread the love

What does it mean to set your mind on things above? In our fast-paced world of endless notifications, mounting responsibilities, and constant distractions, this ancient biblical principle holds surprising relevance for modern life. Like a compass pointing north, setting our minds on things above offers guidance through life’s complex journey.

This exploration will delve into the practical application of heavenly mindedness, examining its impact on personal growth, daily habits, and relationships. We’ll discover how this spiritual principle can transform our perspective, decision-making, and overall well-being in tangible ways.

Think of your mind as a garden – what you choose to cultivate determines what grows. By understanding how to set our minds on things above, we can nurture thoughts that bear fruit in both our spiritual and earthly lives, creating a legacy that extends beyond our immediate circumstances.

1. Understanding the Biblical Context

The journey of faith has always been about perspective, and this truth echoes through the ages in Scripture. When Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians, he wasn’t sitting in a comfortable study – he was in chains, likely in a Roman prison. Yet from this dark place, he penned words that would transform countless lives through generations.

In Colossians 3:2, Paul’s instruction to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” wasn’t just a casual suggestion. Consider how radical this message was for his original audience – believers living in a prosperous trading city, surrounded by materialistic values and pagan worship. What does it mean to set your mind on things above? This question resonated then as powerfully as it does today.

The Greek word used here, “phroneo,” implies more than just casual thinking – it describes a deliberate focusing of one’s thoughts, attitudes, and affections. It’s like adjusting the lens of a camera to capture the perfect shot. This aligns beautifully with Philippians 4:8, which calls us to dwell on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.

This heavenly mindset isn’t about escaping reality. Rather, as Romans 12:2 reminds us, it’s about being “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” When we understand this context, we see that Paul was advocating for a complete paradigm shift – one that would allow believers to view their earthly circumstances through heaven’s perspective.

2. The Practical Meaning in Today’s World

Picture yourself standing at the foot of a towering mountain. At ground level, the obstacles in your path seem insurmountable. But as you ascend and gain elevation, those same obstacles appear smaller, and your perspective dramatically shifts. That’s exactly what happens when we begin to understand what does it mean to set your mind on things above.

In our digital age, where screens demand our constant attention and social media feeds bombard us with endless comparisons, maintaining a heavenly focus might seem more challenging than ever. Yet, Isaiah 26:3 promises perfect peace to those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in God. This isn’t about ignoring our earthly responsibilities – it’s about approaching them with eternal wisdom.

Consider Sarah, a close friend who faced a devastating job loss during the pandemic. Instead of spiraling into despair, she viewed this setback through a heavenly lens. Drawing strength from Matthew 6:33, which instructs us to “seek first his kingdom,” she used this period to serve others in her community, eventually leading to unexpected opportunities that aligned more closely with her God-given purpose.

The practical application means evaluating our daily choices through an eternal perspective. When making decisions about relationships, career moves, or even leisure activities, we can ask ourselves: Does this align with God’s kingdom values? As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:19-21, we’re called to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

3. The Impact on Personal Growth

Personal transformation begins in the mind, but its effects ripple through every aspect of our lives. When we genuinely understand what does it mean to set your mind on things above, we experience growth that transcends mere self-improvement – it becomes divine renovation of the heart.

Let me share a profound lesson I learned through my own journey. For years, I struggled with perfectionism, measuring my worth through achievements and others’ approval. This earthly mindset left me exhausted and spiritually depleted. Then, through meditating on 2 Corinthians 4:18, which reminds us to “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen,” something began to shift.

This heavenly perspective transforms how we handle life’s challenges. Instead of seeing problems as permanent obstacles, we begin to view them as temporary training grounds for spiritual muscle-building. James 1:2-4 takes on new meaning as we learn to “consider it pure joy” when facing trials, knowing they’re developing perseverance and spiritual maturity.

The impact extends beyond personal benefits. As we align our thinking with heaven’s perspective, we naturally become more compassionate, patient, and understanding – qualities that reflect Christ’s character. Galatians 5:22-23 describes these as fruits of the Spirit, which naturally grow as we cultivate a heavenly mindset.

This growth isn’t always comfortable. Like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, transformation requires struggle. But as we persistently renew our minds (Ephesians 4:23) and clothe ourselves with our new nature (Colossians 3:10), we experience a profound shift in our identity, purpose, and relationship with both God and others.

4. Implementing Heavenly Mindedness

The journey of spiritual transformation isn’t just about understanding concepts – it’s about putting them into practice. Like building any new habit, it requires intentional effort and consistent dedication. I remember when I first started practicing martial arts; my instructor always emphasized that proper form had to become muscle memory through daily practice. The same principle applies to our spiritual lives.

Understanding what does it mean to set your mind on things above becomes practical when we establish daily rhythms that reinforce this heavenly perspective. The Psalmist’s words in Psalm 119:15 resonate here: “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.” This isn’t about adding more tasks to our already busy schedules; it’s about infusing our existing routines with spiritual significance.

Start your day by creating sacred space for reflection and prayer. This could be as simple as spending fifteen minutes in silence before checking your phone. As Psalm 5:3 tells us, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” This morning ritual sets the tone for viewing your entire day through a heavenly lens.

Throughout the day, practice what Brother Lawrence called “practicing the presence of God.” This might mean setting regular reminders on your phone to pause and realign your thoughts with heaven’s perspective. Use everyday triggers – like stopping at red lights or waiting in line – as prompts to lift your thoughts above earthly concerns.

5. Overcoming Obstacles

Let’s be honest – maintaining a heavenly mindset in our chaotic world isn’t easy. There are days when the weight of earthly concerns feels overwhelming, and what does it mean to set your mind on things above seems like an impossible ideal. I recently spoke with Tom, a business owner who struggled with anxiety about his company’s future during an economic downturn.

The enemy often uses three primary tactics to pull our focus downward: distraction, discouragement, and doubt. As 1 Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” But remember, we’re not fighting this battle alone.

When facing obstacles, it’s crucial to identify them clearly. Sometimes they’re external – like financial pressures or relationship conflicts. Other times, they’re internal – like fear, pride, or past hurts. Hebrews 12:1-2 provides our strategy: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.”

Building resilience against these obstacles requires both spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) and practical strategies. Create accountability partnerships with fellow believers. Establish boundaries around social media and news consumption. Most importantly, remember that stumbling doesn’t mean failure – it’s an opportunity to experience God’s grace and grow stronger.

6. The Ripple Effect

When we genuinely embrace heaven’s perspective, the impact extends far beyond our personal lives. It’s like dropping a stone in a pond – the ripples continue outward, touching everything in their path. As we understand what does it mean to set your mind on things above, we become agents of transformation in our families, workplaces, and communities.

Consider Maria, a teacher who transformed her classroom atmosphere by viewing her students through heaven’s lens. Instead of seeing behavioral problems, she began seeing children made in God’s image, each with unique potential. This shift in perspective led to innovative teaching approaches that helped struggling students thrive.

Our relationships undergo profound changes when viewed through an eternal perspective. Ephesians 4:32 takes on deeper meaning: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Conflicts that once seemed insurmountable become opportunities for extending grace and demonstrating Christ’s love.

This heavenly mindset influences our approach to social issues too. Instead of getting caught up in political divisions, we begin to see opportunities for kingdom impact. Matthew 5:14-16 reminds us that we’re called to be light in the darkness. This might mean initiating community service projects, advocating for justice with compassion, or simply showing kindness to those society often overlooks.

The beautiful paradox is that by focusing on things above, we become more effectively engaged with things on earth. We’re able to love more deeply, serve more selflessly, and impact our world more significantly – all because we’re viewing everything through the lens of eternity.

Conclusion:

The journey of setting our minds on things above isn’t about disconnecting from our earthly lives but rather about viewing them through a higher lens. It’s about finding that sweet spot where heaven meets earth in our daily experiences. As we’ve explored, this mindset shift isn’t just a spiritual exercise – it’s a transformative approach that touches every aspect of our lives, from our personal growth to our relationships and community impact.