"SET YOUR MINDS!"

Colossians 3:1-4                   (ESV)

"1 If then you have been raised with CHRIST, seek the things that are above, where CHRIST is, seated at the right hand of GOD.

2 "SET YOUR MINDS" on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with CHRIST in GOD.

4 When CHRIST who is your life appears, then you also will appear with HIM in glory."

"The MIND is a terrible thing to waste" is a phrase used by a fund raising entity years ago for college bound students.  The focus of that group, and similar groups, was to raise enough money overcome the perceived lack of education in the youth of that era.  Sadly, nowadays people seem to be more focused on whether our youth excel in sports, or if they are connected to the right kind of people, or whatever they can do to become a success in the business world!

Our "MINDS" are a battlefield where our cultures and societies are determined.  The enemy understands that if we are focused on ANYTHING but  "the things that are above" then he is accomplishing his work.  When we are focused on JESUS CHRIST and heavenly things then the battle is swayed to "not on things that are on earth."  Is there any wonder why our lives appear to be so busy and we never have time for the "things that are above"?  Whose agenda is aided by "busyness"?

The NIV translation of the BIBLE translates Colossians 3:1 as "SINCE, then, you have been raised with CHRIST".  SINCE our spirits have been born-again we should not be living in the same state the rest of the world.  According to scripture, Christians should "SET YOUR MINDS" on the eternal things and not be so fixated on the things of this world.  We don't have to visit a demonic temple, or play games with the devil!  No, all we have to do is focus on anything other than "the things that are above" and our MINDS are headed down the wrong path!  We can even have our "MINDS" set on busy work at church instead of "things that are above" and fall into the enemies trap!  

"SET YOUR MINDS" on things that are above is an encouragement to focus on the fact that JESUS CHRIST won the battle for our souls at Calvary!  The enemy doesn't want to be reminded that he has lost and soon will be sentenced to eternal damnation in separation from GOD.  Before it's too late, you need to "SET YOUR MINDS" on the eternal and give up the temporal.