Paul knew his people still needed to go to work, visit friends, raise kids, and function under the rule of the Roman government. The first-century church was a small minority group in their very large and powerful culture. Paul’s words to them, however, remain biblical truth today. How do we focus our minds on heaven while still living in this world? 

When Paul told the Colossians to “set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,” he wasn’t instructing them to ignore their culture. Instead, the apostle was teaching the early Christians how to keep their culture in the proper perspective. He was speaking about the goals, or aims, of the Christian life. 

Christians have earthly lives and those lives matter. We should live well according to God’s word. Paul’s point was this: Which life should be the highest priority: our life on earth or our eternal life? We know the right answer to that question, but do we live as if we believe it? 

How many decisions do we make simply because that choice is best for God’s kingdom? How often do we choose to do without on earth so that we can invest in heaven?  

Sometimes our moments require so much attention that we don’t have time to consider the bigger picture. Do we ask ourselves, “Is this urgent, or is it important?” God rarely rushes our choices, which is one of the best indicators the choice might matter eternally.  

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly and you will set your mind on things above. You can know when something matters right now and how and if it will matter forever.