Set Your Mind on Things Above: Memorizing and Applying Colossians 3:1–2

In the world we live in, it is easy to get sidetracked and start living as the world lives. It is easy to forget to set your mind on heaven and the things of God. We live in a world with never-ending busyness, full of temptation, and the complete opposite of how God calls us to live. When I don’t keep my mind on heaven and I fall into worldly things, personally I can say that I fail. But thankfully, God forgives me every single time!

“Since, then, you have been raised in 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” (Col. 3:1–2 NIV). This verse is so much easier to say than to actually apply into our daily lives, but I want to encourage you to apply this verse into your life every single moment of every single day. You may not have an easy life living against the world, but it will be worth it when you get to heaven.

The first part of this verse tells us we have been made through Christ so we need to set our heart on things above, where Christ is. W have been raised in Christ. The only reason we are able to set our hearts on things above is because we have been raised in Christ. We should act like Jesus did. Jesus spent time ministering to His disciples, so we should serve and minister to others. While He was on earth, Jesus looked forward to heaven. He knew He would soon ascend to heaven. We need to remember that our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20).

The final part of the verse tells us we should set our minds on heaven instead of worldly things. If you think about it, why would you want your mind stuck on the things of the world? The world only offers temporary pleasure and then it goes away. While we may have pain here on earth, we will have complete pleasure in heaven for the rest of eternity. We can live a better Christian life when our mind is set on heaven.

I encourage you to study God’s Word and consume your heart with heavenly things. Not all earthly things are evil, but some are. One way we can avoid consuming our minds with harmful things is by praying to God and asking Him to consume our hearts with things that are pleasing to Him.

I encourage you to take the time to memorize Colossians 3:1–2 and apply the verses in your life. Write Colossians 3:1–2 on a piece of paper and put it where you can see it. Every time you look at it, say the verses out loud or in your mind. Repetition is key to memorization!

It is so much easier to share a Bible verse with another person if you have the verse memorized. I truly believe that your life can be changed if you apply this verse to your life.

So many wonderful things can happen when you live your life for God. You will be full of joy and satisfaction that only comes from God. If you face hardships, God will be there to guide you. Remember to keep your heart and mind on God instead of earthly things. God loves you!