Eyes on the Eternal — A Daily Bible Study on Colossians 3:1-2

# Eyes on the Eternal: Our New Life's True North

Welcome, Bible Club family, to another day of diving into God's living Word! Today, we turn our gaze to Colossians 3, a powerful chapter that reminds us of who we are in Christ and how we ought to live. Our passage for today, Colossians 3:1-2, serves as a foundational declaration for every believer:

"If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth."

What a profound truth to start our day with! Paul, writing to the Colossian church (and to us!), lays down a massive theological claim followed by an equally significant call to action. Let's unpack this glorious truth together.

Raised Together with Christ: Our New Identity

The passage opens with a crucial "If then." This isn't a question of doubt, but a logical consequence of something already established. Paul spent the first two chapters of Colossians beautifully articulating who Christ is – supreme, Creator, head of the church, the one in whom all the fullness of God dwells. He also explained what Christ has done for us: making us alive together with Him, forgiving our sins, triumphing over the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:13-15). Our spiritual baptism, our identification with Christ, means we have died to our old self and been raised to new life with Him.

This isn't just a hopeful wish; it's a settled reality for those who have put their faith in Jesus. We were raised together with Christ. Our old life, separated from God, bound by sin, and destined for death, is gone. In its place, we have a new life, intimately connected to the resurrected Christ, who now sits at the right hand of God. This is our unshakeable identity. We are not defined by our past failures, our current struggles, or the world's shifting values. We are defined by our union with the victorious, reigning Christ.

Seeking the Things Above: Our New Direction

Because of this glorious new identity, Paul issues a clear command: "seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God." If our new life is intimately connected to Christ, and Christ is in heaven, then our focus, our pursuit, our longing should naturally be directed heavenward. To "seek" implies an active pursuit, a deliberate effort, a conscious choice to orient our desires towards what is eternal, spiritual, and divine.

This isn't about being so "heavenly minded" that we're "no earthly good." Quite the opposite! It's about letting the eternal perspective shape our earthly good. When we seek the things above, we're seeking God's glory, His kingdom, His righteousness, His truth, His love. We're seeking things that last, things that truly satisfy, things that align with the heart of God. This pursuit naturally transforms how we interact with the world around us, how we love our neighbors, how we steward our resources, and how we face adversity.

Setting Our Minds: Our Daily Practice

The command to "Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth" reinforces the active nature of this new life. The Greek word for "set your mind" (phroneo) implies more than just intellectual thought; it encompasses our affections, our priorities, our deepest intentions. It's about deliberately choosing what will occupy our mental landscape, our emotional energy, and our spiritual focus.

In a world constantly vying for our attention – with its endless distractions, fleeting pleasures, and pressing anxieties – this command is a lifeline. It calls us to be intentional about what we consume, what we dwell on, and what we value. Are we constantly absorbed by earthly worries, material possessions, or fleeting trends? Or are we training our minds to rest in the truth of Christ's resurrection, His sovereignty, and the eternal hope He offers?

This isn't about ignoring earthly responsibilities or pretending problems don't exist. It's about facing them with a heavenly mindset. When our minds are set on things above, we approach trials with peace, temptations with strength, and daily tasks with purpose, knowing that our ultimate hope and citizenship are in heaven. It's about living in this world, but not being of this world, because our true life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).

Let's commit today to intentionally lift our eyes. Let's remember our new identity in Christ, embrace our new direction towards His eternal kingdom, and practice setting our minds on the glorious things above. May our lives reflect the transforming power of our risen Savior!

Reflection Questions

1. What does it mean for you personally to have been "raised together with Christ"? How does this truth impact your identity today?
2. What are some 'things on the earth' that tend to distract you or occupy too much of your mind? How can you practically shift your focus to 'things above' this week?
3. In what specific area of your life (e.g., work, relationships, finances) can you consciously apply a 'heavenly mindset' today? What might that look like?