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When was the last time you set your mind on heaven? I know for most of us, our days are filled trying to maintain busy schedules here on earth.

Instead of focusing on your worries for today and concerns of tomorrow, the Apostle Paul told us in Colossians to set our minds toward heaven.

Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2-3

Paul wrote this statement to Christians because we often allow ourselves to get bogged down with the cares of this world. So much so, that we don’t give eternity much of a thought at all. Look what Paul wrote in the first verse.

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Colossians 3:1

In the next few verses, Paul told us how to set our minds on the things of heaven. He said we must stop doing the sinful things we did before we met Christ. Then he told us why.

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.

Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires.

Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. Colossians 3:5-6

Steps to Set Your Mind On Heaven

Paul didn’t stop there though. He included another list of sins we need to get rid of. This list came with urgency, “Now is the time.”

But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.

Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Colossians 3:8-9

I realize some of the things we did before we accepted Jesus are hard to shake. God also realized that as well. Therefore, He sent us the Holy Spirit who helps us to become more like Christ. Look at what the next two verses say.

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Colossians 3:10-11

He continued his instructions with a mini-lesson on the Fruit of the Spirit. These instructions lay the foundation for us to keep our minds set on the things of heaven

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:12-13

The Glue That Binds Us All Together

After that exhortation, he gave us two more valuable and important points. Let me illustrate them with this.

Did you ever try to glue two pieces of something together? You applied the glue and then you had to hold the two pieces together until the glue set. The next verse talks about the glue which binds us together.

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14

The aopstle conclued by telling us what we must use to hold things together while the glue of love sets deep into our hearts.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Lord, right now as we are speaking to you we pause and take a deep breath. We think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. Help us to understand how we have died to this life. And now our real life is hidden with Christ in God.