A note from the desk of our Pastor:

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Colossians 3:2

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

The Apostle Paul wrote in the prior verse that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God. He builds on that idea in our study verse this week. The subject of this verse is the believer. The key element is where the believer focuses their heart and mind. 

Jesus taught about choosing the correct focus during his ministry. He said, “For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.” (Matthew 6:21) In other words, Christ was telling his disciples that your heart and mind will follow the things you value. This is true between different things on earth, but it is also true between the physical and the spiritual.

The initial interpretation is to define the things above. It begins by recognizing that the focus is on Jesus Christ. With a focus on Jesus Christ, there should be a focus on his commandments to love God and love your neighbor. Building on those, the things above also include his core teachings of faith, empathy, patience, and forgiveness. The list of things that could be on this list would go on for quite some time, but what is included here provides a core understanding. 

Next, what is meant by ‘setting your affection’ needs to be explored. Affection, as translated in this verse, means more than just feeling or liking. It refers to a mindset or a moral disposition. It is a habit and a continual practice. So when the Apostle writes that the disciple should set his or her affection on the things above, it is a statement of the need to have a mindset of focusing on the things of God. The believer, on a continual basis, has the choice to focus on the earthly perspective or the heavenly perspective. The Apostle is calling for a mindset that leans toward and chooses the heavenly.

The Apostle’s instructions are often aspirational meaning that he knew a disciple could not fully accomplish the task set before them. This is not a failure on the part of the believer. These are targets that we continue to reach for in our walk rather than destinations that can be attained. 

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah