Deeper Reflection
THE APOSTLE PAUL COMMANDS CHRISTIANS TO KEEP seeking and setting their minds on “things that are above” (vv.1-2). The “things that are above” are things in heaven and not on earth (vv.1-2). People who had set their minds on things above included Abraham who sought the City of God¹, King David who sought the dwelling place of God² and the Lord Jesus who sought heaven’s joy over a redeemed people³.Paul gives three reasons to keep setting our minds on things above. (a) We have been united with Christ – in His death⁴, resurrection⁵ and ascension⁶. (b) We have a new identity in Christ – we are fellow sinners saved by God’s grace to live for Christ (v.11); and “God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved” (v.12). (c) We have a new destiny in Christ – we shall be with Christ in glory at His Second Coming (v.4). Therefore, we must not look to the things that are on earth for meaning and purpose in life, nor put our hope in them for our identity and security.⁷Yes, but how? Paul insightfully makes the connection between the heavenly things that should occupy our minds and the day-to-day attitudes and actions that should characterise our lives.⁸ The daily practices that stem from an earthly perspective reinforce that perspective.⁹ Therefore in verses 5 to 14, Paul instructs us to “put to death what is earthly in you”, “put off the old self with its practices” and “put on the new self”. If we do not kill off our sinful practices, they will prevent us from setting our minds on the things above.

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¹ Hebrews 11:8-10, 14-16. ² Psalm 27:4. ³ Hebrews 12:2. ⁴ “For you have died…” (v.3). ⁵ “If then you have been raised with Christ…” (v.1). ⁶ “…you also will appear with Him in glory” (v.4). ⁷ For example, see Paul’s teachings in Galatians 6:14 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19. ⁸ Paul also made such a connection elsewhere: see Romans 8:5-6. ⁹ Such practices include: to love things and use people; to enjoy sinful pleasures and not worry about God’s judgment; and to seek self-fulfilment above all else.