Developing a Heavenly Mindset

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” — Colossians 3:1–2

In a world filled with distractions, chaos, and worldly ambitions, the Bible calls Christians to something higher—to cultivate a heavenly mindset. But how do we live that out day by day?

1. Remember Your Resurrected Position in Christ

Paul reminds believers that if they have been raised with Christ, they must seek what is above. Through baptism, we die to our old life and are raised to new life in Christ (Romans 6:3–4). As joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), we are called to think and live differently—rooted in our new identity, our authority in Christ, and our eternal purpose.

2. Practice Daily Discipline

A heavenly mindset doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a product of intentional discipline: studying Scripture, praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), forming godly friendships (Proverbs 13:20), and guarding our minds from worldly influences (2 Corinthians 10:5). Setting our minds on things above means rejecting the things that pull us away from God.

3. Live from a Crucified Perspective

Paul says, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” We’ve died to sin (Romans 6:6), died to self (Luke 14:26), and died to the world (Galatians 6:14). If Christ truly rules in our hearts, then worldly pleasures and self-centered desires lose their grip. We become free to serve, to sacrifice, and to find joy in eternal things.

4. Rest in Your Hidden Life in Christ

To be hidden with Christ means protection, identity, and peace. Like David in Psalm 23, we can face dark valleys without fear because our Shepherd is with us. The world may not understand us—but that’s because our true citizenship is in heaven. Our security isn’t in the temporary, but in the eternal.

5. Set Your Eyes on the Glory to Come

Paul closes with this hope: “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). Focusing on Christ’s return transforms our daily lives. Anticipating future glory leads to present purity. When we truly long for heaven, we live with purpose, purity, and perseverance.

A heavenly mindset isn’t just about thinking differently—it’s about living differently. When we set our minds on things above, we find peace, direction, and the strength to live faithfully in a distracted world.