Affections. Colossians 3:2. When we “set our minds (affection)” on “things above,” it means we focus on things that last forever. Christ and what is important to Him should draw our attention, not the ideas and values of those who pursue satisfaction in earthly pleasures, fulfilled ambitions, and success. This is a conscious choice when we discipline ourselves to bring “every thought into captivity” and commit to obey our Lord.
Many things vie for a place in my heart. More than just emotion, I must focus on the part of me that governs "self" and guides it, ensuring I recognize what is right and what needs correction. I need to prioritize my activities and direct my attention to things above, rather than on earthly concerns. Instead of focusing on what I do and have that bring comfort and contentment here below, my affections, my heart and intellect, and what I give my attention to should be centered on where my Lord is and what His interests are. All that earth can offer is an empty and futile show.
The “things above” that we focus our affections on go beyond joy, glory, and the Father’s house to include our Lord Jesus Christ, whom we love. He has transformed us from being self-centered, egocentric people into willing servants of His. Our affection encompasses gratitude, love, time, strength, godly living, and giving. The earthly things that satisfy the “self” are temporary pleasures, fleeting popularity, possessions that wear out, beauty that is quickly lost, and even health that can easily fail. Our Lord Jesus told us to “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.”
Eternal things often seem very ethereal to some people. Spiritual and unseen things are so unexplainable that many try to avoid them. They can't conceive of or understand things that are not material. How can you visualize grace, mercy, love, truth, or eternity? But when we have risen with Christ, there is a fundamental change in us because the temporary things seem passing and trivial, while the eternal things appear real and life-changing because they last forever. Unseen things become tangible, and now we must rearrange our lives and adapt to living for the future while still residing here in this ungodly world.
Truth becomes important because it is embodied in Christ, who is “The way, the truth, and the life.” His word is truth, and His truth sanctifies us. The righteousness of Christ imputed to us came at the highest price of Him being “made sin for us.” He had no sin, so God laid on Him our sins and gave us His righteousness and the gift of eternal life that comes with such righteousness. Our sins are gone, so the wages of sin, death, have been removed. We have received grace and all its benefits, so now we are to show grace to others. Faith is not just a buzzword; now, through righteous living, faith is what we demonstrate to others.
Peace seems to have permanently escaped people and the nations of the Earth. For those whose affections are above, we can find peace amid turmoil - I have experienced it and understand its value. Glory is above, although some glimpses can be seen on earth in moments of splendor or in the face of one God has healed. Though unseen, life can be transformed to have meaning and purpose, not just fleeting and forgettable days. Hope, love, and more importantly, God Himself are above where our affections rest and where our minds choose to dwell.
When our minds focus on “things above,” we gain God’s perspective on material things, spiritual matters, and what it means to love and serve Him in this world. This shifts our attention away from the temporary things that surround us and are necessary for survival until we receive glorified bodies. The eternal things give purpose and meaning to the physical and material possessions we use now, as we seek to store up treasures in heaven and glorify our Father, who is in heaven.