I am cross-posting this devotional with my blog on the Worldview Church, at the ColsonCenter.org. I serve as the pastor of the Lovell Community Chapel (Michigan) and am the managing editor of the Worldview Church. 

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 ESV

How can we distinguish what are the “things that are above” as opposed to “things that are on the earth” that Colossians 3:2 draws a contrast?

I am not a dualist and therefore know that everyday tasks can have a God-glorifying potential. We can (and must) honor the Lord in seemingly mundane tasks even though they do not involve discipling others or contending in the public square to advance Kingdom ethics. For this reason, I fix things that break, keep harmful chemicals out of ground water, and enjoy a sassy Irish jig. Yet, this broader understanding of claiming all of life for King Jesus’ rule calls us to make a distinction between accomplishing tasks—as an end in themselves—and work that fits into a progressive and comprehensive reclaiming of the Kingdom of God.  However, some things that we have opportunity to do have significance while others have little worth.

This distinction is explained by Paul when he admonished us to redirect our attention away for insignificant things toward those that have an eternal value aspect (“things that are above” as opposed to “things that are on the earth.”). Here is the context.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is 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

Here Paul asserts that we are to reaffirm our identity as being those who are followers of Christ—as we first did through water baptism--as well as contemplate our future, shared glorification at Jesus’ return.  And, he gives us one more idea, that of resolving to live today in light of this unseen Kingdom, one that calls us to distinguish where to engage our efforts along with where we allow our thoughts to dwell.

Instead of listing examples of what those things “above” include, we are ask to have a Christ-centered life (“Christ Who is your life”).  Indeed, we are recipients of all the spiritual blessings that Jesus’ life and work has procured. It is in habitually dwelling on these better things that we come to identify the insignificant things and allow them to fall to the wayside.

A book that was pivotal in focusing my life was Os Guinness’ The Call. I consider it an inspirational classic and recommend it to any pastor seeking clarity of ordering one’s life according to God’s best “things.”