This week’s devotions are based on Sunday’s Message: I Believe in the Resurrection (WATCH HERE)
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” — Colossians 3:2–3
It is easy to become consumed by what is right in front of us. There are bills to pay, schedules to keep, projects to finish, and responsibilities that demand our attention. Before long, our thoughts are dominated by deadlines, appointments, and the endless demands of daily life. None of those things are wrong. In fact, God calls us to faithfully serve Him in our daily vocations as parents, spouses, employees, neighbors, and friends.
The problem comes when today becomes all we see.
Paul reminds believers in Colossians to “set your minds on things above.” He is not telling us to ignore our earthly responsibilities or to retreat from the world. Rather, he is reminding us to see everything in light of eternity. The Christian lives in this world, but he does not live for this world.
That perspective changes everything.
Imagine taking a long road trip. Along the way, you stop at a rest area. You stretch your legs, grab a cup of coffee, and perhaps enjoy the scenery for a few minutes. But no one mistakes the rest stop for the final destination. You don’t redecorate the picnic shelter or unpack all your belongings. You know you are only passing through.
The Bible describes our earthly life in much the same way. Peter calls believers “foreigners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11). The writer to the Hebrews says that God’s people are “looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Paul reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).
Knowing where our true home is gives us a different perspective on everything else.
Success becomes a tool for serving others rather than a measure of our worth. Possessions become gifts to steward rather than treasures to cling to. Even suffering takes on new meaning because we know it is temporary. Paul could write, “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17). That does not minimize pain, but it does place it in the context of God’s greater promises.
Living with eternity in mind also helps us make better decisions today. We begin asking different questions. Instead of simply asking, “What do I want?” we ask, “What honors Christ?” Instead of chasing temporary satisfaction, we seek what has lasting value. Instead of investing only in things that wear out, we invest in our relationship with God and others, acts of love, generosity, and the work of God’s kingdom.
Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20). He wasn’t condemning possessions; He was redirecting priorities. The things of this world will eventually fade away, but what is done in faith for Christ will endure forever.
As you go about your day today, remember that you are headed somewhere. Christ has already secured your eternal future through His death and resurrection. That means you are free to live faithfully in the present without being enslaved by it. You can work diligently, love generously, forgive freely, and serve joyfully because your hope does not rest in the temporary things of this world. Your life is hidden with Christ, and the best is still to come.
Reflect: What temporary concerns most often distract you from keeping an eternal perspective? How might remembering your heavenly citizenship change one decision or interaction you will have today?
Prayer:Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me an eternal inheritance through Your Son. Forgive me for the times I become so focused on this world that I lose sight of the world to come. Help me to live each day with eternity in mind, using the gifts You have given me to serve others and glorify You. Keep my heart fixed on Christ until the day I see Him face to face. In His name I pray. Amen.