July 19 - Colossians 3-4
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4)
One of the most popular sayings in Christian circles is, "Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good." Though clever, this statement is contrary to the clear teachings of Scripture. Rather than diminishing earthly usefulness, a heavenly mind is the very foundation of faithful Christian living. The believer who fixes his heart on Christ in heaven becomes the most effective servant on earth.
Paul begins with the words, "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." The word "if" carries the sense of "since." Since believers have been spiritually raised with Christ, their lives should reflect that new reality. Christianity is not merely a change in behavior; it is a change in identity. Those who have been united with Christ now belong to another kingdom. Therefore, their ambitions, priorities, and affections must be governed by heaven rather than by earth.
Paul then commands, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." This is not a call to ignore earthly responsibilities. It is a call to view every earthly responsibility through the lens of eternity. The Christian still works, raises a family, pays bills, serves the church, and loves his neighbor. However, he does so with eternal purposes in mind. Heaven becomes the compass that directs every decision on earth.
Those who criticize heavenly-minded Christians often misunderstand what the Bible means by heavenly mindedness. Scripture never encourages daydreaming, laziness, or neglect of practical duties. Instead, it teaches believers to think God's thoughts, value God's kingdom, and live in anticipation of Christ's return. Such thinking produces diligence rather than idleness. The person who is constantly aware that he serves the risen Christ will strive to honor Him in every conversation, every act of service, and every moment of life.
Paul explains why believers are to think this way: "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." The Christian's old life has ended. The values of the world no longer define him. His true life is secure in Christ. Though the world may overlook or ridicule faithful believers, their lives are safely kept by God Himself. This hidden life provides confidence during trials and perseverance during seasons of suffering.
Finally, Paul lifts our eyes to the glorious future: "When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." The certainty of Christ's return gives meaning to present faithfulness. Every sacrifice made for Christ, every act of obedience, every unseen labor for His kingdom will one day be vindicated when believers share in His glory.
Far from making Christians "no earthly good," a heavenly perspective makes them indispensable servants in a needy world. History demonstrates that those who have accomplished the greatest good for society have often been those whose hearts were fixed most firmly on heaven. Their hope of eternity inspired courage, compassion, generosity, and perseverance.
The real danger is not being too heavenly minded but being too earthly minded. You could turn the phrase around and say: “Some people are so earthly minded that they are no heavenly good.” A mind consumed with temporal pleasures, worldly ambitions, and material possessions will accomplish little of eternal value. But a mind fixed upon Christ will transform homes, churches, communities, and nations.
Colossians 3:1–4 reminds every believer that heaven is not a distraction from earthly service; it is the motivation for it. The Christian who seeks the things above will prove to be of the greatest earthly good because he lives every day in the light of eternity.