1 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. ~ Colossians 3:1-3
For some of us, putting this verse into practice comes a little easier than for others. But, there are some of us that are in constant battle to bring our thoughts, actions, and lives under control so we may turn them toward Christ. This verse reminds me of 2 Corinthians 10: 4 & 5; "4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...." So first we must take captive every thought so that we may then turn them towards Christ and the obedience of Him.
One thing must be noted; the ability to take captive everything thought and turn them toward Christ and the things above, does not naturally occur in our hearts and minds, but is possible only through the power of the Holy Spirit. I find myself, most days consistently asking God for provision enough to make it through the next couple hours or the rest of the day, etc. It's not that I live a physically demanding or dangerous life, but I have to fight to stay on task at work, fight to keep thoughts pure, fight to be kind, gracious, etc.; I must fight myself if I am to follow Christ daily. (Matthew 16:24- Deny yourself and pick up your cross, paraphrase)
I've been reading this book titled, Practicing the Presence of God, that is based on a 17th century monk named Brother Lawrence, who, through his inability to stay focused during the mandated daily 3 hour meditation/prayer time, came to the conclusion that if God is ever present, then what is stopping him from staying connected to God in prayer throughout his entire day? So Brother Lawrence began to talk with God as he went about his daily tasks in the kitchen, thanking and praising God for every little thing; nothing was too small to bring to the feet of God.
To me, one of the most powerful insights Brother Lawrence realized through this process of practicing the presence of God throughout his day, was he found himself becoming less and less distracted by the world and the pulls of his sinful heart, because he was constantly setting his mind on God. He became the embodiment of Colossians 3:1-3, and like Adam in the garden, was consistently walking with God (not physically but spiritually).
Thankfully, Paul does not tell us to set our minds on the things above and hope it turns out alright, but rather reassures us that we will be able to win the battle of our mind because, our "life is hidden with Christ in God." This is a call back to Colossians 1:27, "...which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." We are in Christ and Christ is in God, and the Holy Spirit dwells within us, so we are surrounded on all sides, both inside and outside, with the One that makes victory possible. The best visual explanation of this I've found is in the link below; This is David Platt's full sermon so jump to Minute 38 for the illustration I'm talking about.
God, my King, thank You for the promise of your glory and the founded knowledge that you never leave us nor forsake us, but are constantly by our side. Teach me to turn to You in all things, praising You and thanking You all the day long. In your Son's precious Name; Amen
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