Imagine if we awoke every morning and had our hearts set on Christ. On His goodness, His love, His grace, and His mercy. Oh, the peace we would have at the start of each day as we resume our stressful and busy lives. However, setting our minds on things above, not on earthly things, does not equate to ignoring the realities of the fallen world we live in. As the cliche goes, “Don’t be so heavenly minded that you’re no earthly good.” Being heavenly minded in-part means that we live in the here and now as we view our time through the lens of the gospel. What might this look like as followers of Christ who have our hearts set on things above, but who also have an earthly mission to share the love of our Savior? The article “Set Your Mind on Things Above: How to Live Heavenly Minded,” by Scott Hubbard lays out a few examples:

+They dress in the heavenly clothing of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Colossians 3:12).

+ In a society of accusations and recriminations, they speak the otherworldly language of forgiveness (Colossians 3:13).

+They walk under the reign of divine peace, which has established its throne on their hearts (Colossians 3:15).

+They speak and sing with the harmony of gratitude and grace (Colossians 3:15–17; 4:6).

+In every relationship, in every word, in every deed, they seek to show the glory of Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:17–4:1).

+They put to death all that dishonors God and demeans others (Colossians 3:5–9).

In our pursuit of setting our hearts on things above, let us look to the ultimate example of Jesus, the most heavenly-minded man of all who labored, wept, healed, prayed, and bled for a world of people in need of a loving Savior.

[Colossians 3.1-4]

3.1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does it mean to set your mind on things above and not on earthly things?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How might you pursue heavenly-mindedness in your own life?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ How can I provide encouragement and support to the people around me who are striving to set their minds on the things above?