Focus Not Distraction

Is there something that you were particularly frightened of as a child? How about as an adult? Fear tends to be a regular part of our life. We can be troubled as we focus on challenges or bad situations. In Colossians we read this truth and encouragement:

“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)

In our fast-paced, digitally saturated lives, this command can sound nearly impossible: “Set your hearts and minds on things above.” How do we do that when we’re flooded with news updates, job pressures, social media, and endless to-do lists? Setting your heart and mind on things above is a good and honorable thing, but what about the daily chores of life: laundry, work, paying bills? Or more serious: illness, death, conflict?

This short passage in Colossians gives us both the reason and the roadmap for a mindset rooted in eternity. The author, Paul, starts by reminding believers that they have been "raised with Christ." This is not poetic language – it’s a profound truth about identity. If we truly believe we have been spiritually raised with Christ, then our priorities, decisions, and ambitions should reflect that new life. But that’s a daily battle. Our culture says identity is something we choose or create. Scripture says it's something we receive in Christ.

Today’s challenge is not only to embrace that truth but to live it out in environments that constantly pull us away from it. Whether it's the drive for success, the need for approval, or the comfort of consumerism, we’re surrounded by “earthly things” vying for our focus.

Paul gives a twofold instruction: “Set your hearts…” and “Set your minds…” on things above. This isn’t about ignoring earthly responsibilities, but about interpreting them through the lens of eternity. Work, family, finances – these are real and important. But they must be informed by a higher perspective. We set our hearts on the truth of God’s promises, and that leads to setting our minds on His will. For example, setting your mind on things above at work might mean valuing integrity over advancement. It might mean seeing your coworkers not just as colleagues but as people loved by, and in need of, Christ. In your relationships, it could mean choosing forgiveness over bitterness, even when it's hard.

Paul continues with the mysterious phrase, “your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” In a world obsessed with visibility, likes, and personal branding, the Christian life is often lived in obscurity. The fruit of the Spirit—love, patience, kindness—isn’t always flashy. But God sees, and one day, as Paul reminds us, “you also will appear with Him in glory.”
That future promise gives us strength today. When faith feels unnoticed or costly, when obedience means sacrifice, we remember that our reward is secure in Christ. We live with hope, not hype.

Colossians 3:1-4 invites us to recalibrate our hearts daily. In a distracted, anxious world, living with a heavenly mindset is both a challenge and a calling. But in doing so, we discover a deeper peace, a clearer purpose, and a life that points others to the glory of Christ.

4832 Ponderings:

• What things influence your thinking?
• How can you control those influences, or fail to control them?
• How might the assurance of living eternally in relationship to God, through Christ, influence your long-term and short-term goals?
• How is the importance of our current life circumstances impacted by our faith and our eternity goals?

Closing Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, Your creation is so magnificent and beautiful! We thank you that we get to live in and experience it. Sometimes our lives seem to get overwhelmed by the mundane, unpleasant, or hurtful. When this happens, remind us of this truth: we have an eternal relationship with You that nothing in our current circumstances can prevent. Help us to set our eyes, hearts and minds on You and the relationship we enjoy with You now, tomorrow and into eternity. May this truth impact how we interact with others as we reflect Your love and the light of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.