The attractions of the siren songs in this life as well as the shadows of legalistic spirituality often cause believers to stumble along their way. Therefore, Paul calls us to focus! In verse 2 of Chapter 3, Paul urges us to “set our minds” on things above and not on the things of this earth. The Greek verb for “setting the mind” implies the intentional direction of all mental energies on a particular object. In this case it’s Christ in the heavenly realms. I guess we’d call that concentration.

The things around us will grow dim when we do that.  An M.I.T mathematician was walking across the campus.  He was so absorbed in thought that when a student greeted him, he failed to respond. But after a few steps he turned and said, “Pardon me, could you tell me which way I came from?” The student pointed and answered, “That way, sir!” “Thanks,” said the prof. “Now I know I’ve had lunch!” This is a bit extreme but the point is our minds cannot be set on any object without concentration. One commentator said, “No one will ever learn anything about the subject being considered without it.”  Isaac Newton said the key to his understanding was, “I keep it before me.”

Fixing our thoughts on Jesus takes time. You can’t appreciate the scenery at 30 thousand feet. You can’t see the beauty of the country as it flies by on the interstate. We must stop and focus. We must sit still and gaze at the beauty. We must sit still and gaze at the Savior and let the landscape seep into our hearts and fill our souls.

Chuck

“…seek the things that are above, where Christ is…Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2