Set Your Mind on Things Above: Living the New Life in Christ

 

A Reflection on Colossians 3:1–17

Paul’s letter to the Colossians gives believers a vivid picture of what it means to live as those who have been raised with Christ. In Colossians 3:1–17, the apostle moves from doctrine to practice, urging Christians to align their lives with their new identity in Christ. This passage serves as a spiritual mirror, reminding us not only who we are, but also how we are called to live.

1. Seeking the Things Above (vv. 1–4)

Paul begins with the transforming reality of the believer’s union with Christ: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” This verse declares both a position and a pursuit. Spiritually, the believer has been raised with Christ, lifted from death to life. Positionally, we share in His victory and reign. Yet this truth demands a practical response—one of active seeking. To “seek the things above” is to pursue God’s purposes, values, and priorities rather than the fleeting desires of the world.

The Christian’s mindset must match his spiritual reality. Paul continues, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” This is more than positive thinking—it is Christ-centered living. The direction of our thoughts shapes the direction of our lives. When our focus is earthly, our faith weakens under the weight of temporary concerns. But when our hearts are anchored in heaven, we live with peace, hope, and eternal purpose.

Paul reminds us that our old life is gone: “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” To be hidden with Christ means that our identity, worth, and security are now found in Him. The world may not see the fullness of who we are, but God does. And one day, as verse 4 declares, “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” The hope of Christ’s return gives believers courage to persevere and power to live holy lives today.

2. Putting to Death the Old Self (vv. 5–11)

Paul now moves from identity to action. Since we have died with Christ, we must put to death the sinful habits and desires that belong to our earthly nature. “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” The language here is strong—Paul does not suggest managing sin but killing it. The word “put to death” (Greek: nekrosate) means to completely eliminate or slay. Sin must not be entertained, tolerated, or negotiated with. It must be crucified.

Each of the sins listed stems from a heart turned inward. Sexual immorality and impurity defile the body; greed and idolatry corrupt the soul. These are not harmless desires—they are idols that demand devotion and destroy peace. Paul warns that “on account of these, the wrath of God is coming.” A holy God cannot and will not overlook persistent sin.

He continues, “In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.” This reminder is both humbling and hopeful. It acknowledges our past failures while celebrating God’s grace that delivers us from them. The Christian life is a story of redemption—from what we were to what we are becoming.

But sin is not only external; it manifests in attitudes and speech as well. Paul adds, “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk.” These sins fracture relationships and poison the unity of the church. Even deceit must be abandoned: “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.” The imagery here is that of changing clothes—taking off the old, filthy garments of sin and putting on the new, clean garments of righteousness.

Paul concludes, “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” In Christ, all human divisions are dissolved. The gospel creates one new humanity—defined not by culture or class, but by Christ Himself.

3. Clothing Yourself with the New Nature (vv. 12–14)

Having laid aside the old self, believers are now called to clothe themselves with the character of Christ. “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Notice the motivation: we are chosen, holy, and loved. Our identity determines our behavior. Because we are God’s people, we must reflect His character.

Compassion is a tender response to the suffering of others. Kindness translates compassion into action. Humility recognizes our dependence on God and treats others as more important than ourselves. Meekness is strength under control, the gentleness that marked Jesus. Patience is the grace to endure hardship and irritation without bitterness.

Paul continues, “bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” The model of forgiveness is Christ Himself. We forgive not because others deserve it, but because we have received forgiveness we did not deserve. In a world that clings to resentment, the forgiven must be forgiving.

Above all, Paul declares, “Put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Love is the belt that holds every other virtue in place. Without love, compassion becomes condescension, humility becomes insecurity, and patience becomes mere tolerance. Love perfects and completes the Christian wardrobe.

4. Living Under the Rule of Christ’s Peace and Word (vv. 15–17)

Paul now moves from personal character to communal life. The virtues we wear must shape how we live together in the body of Christ. “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” The word “rule” means to act as an umpire—to make decisions and guide behavior. When disagreements arise, the peace of Christ must be the deciding factor.

Next, Paul writes, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” The Word of Christ is to dwell richly—abundantly, deeply, and permanently—in the believer’s heart. When the Word is at home in our hearts, it flows out through our mouths in teaching, encouragement, and worship.

Finally, Paul concludes with one of the most comprehensive commands in all of Scripture: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Every word we speak, every task we perform, every interaction we have should carry the name of Christ. To act “in His name” means to represent His character, to reflect His authority, and to seek His glory.

Conclusion: Living the New Life

Colossians 3:1–17 paints a portrait of true Christian maturity. It calls believers to live as citizens of heaven while walking on earth. To set our minds on things above is to live from a heavenly perspective—to see life through the lens of eternity. It means replacing bitterness with forgiveness, pride with humility, greed with generosity, and fear with faith. It means being a reflection of Jesus in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

The old has passed away; the new has come. In Christ, we have died to sin and risen to life. Now we are called to walk in that newness—to think higher, love deeper, and live holier. May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, may His Word dwell richly in our minds, and may His love bind us together as we seek to glorify Him in all we do.

© 2025 Steven Miller Ministries