Focus your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2, TLV
How Do We Switch Focus? What does Paul mean by focusing our mind on things above and not on things of this earth? As with so many verses in GOD’s word, this verse has been taken out of context. It has become the foundation of isolation — disconnecting from people and events around us.
But that’s not the context. When reading all of chapter three, we see that Paul is explaining to the new followers of the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — our Heavenly Father and His Son — to not go back to the pagan lifestyle they were raised in.
Therefore, put to death what is earthly in you—sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed—for that is idolatry. (vs. 5, TLV)
But now, set them all aside—anger, rage, malice, slander, and foul language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another. After all, you have taken off the old self with its practices . . . (vss. 8-9, TLV)
At that time, these things had been the Gentiles’ focus for generations. Really, they knew no better. You know, as I look at this list, all of us might find one or more vices that were, and perhaps, still are our focus.
As believers, we might call them by other names like, pornography, prosperity doctrine, righteous indignation, sharing our “concern” for others’ sins with others in the guise of prayer, exaggerating, etc.
Before we can switch our focus, we have to admit the earthly
things that need to be put to death. If we feel we must justify our thoughts and behaviors, then it will be difficult to focus on heavenly things. Seek the Holy Spirit. Believe me, GOD’s Spirit will let us know.
Search me, O God, and know my heart.
Examine me, and know my anxious thoughts,
and see if there be any offensive way within me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24, TLV)
When those “things” of whatever nomenclature are revealed, we repent and turn away from the sin, receive forgiveness, and then are better able to focus on the “things above.”
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves in tender compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience—bearing with one another and forgiving each other, if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord pardoned you, so also you must pardon others. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfect harmony. (vss. 12-14, TLV)
Let’s remove the vestiges of our past — little by little — so that we can clothe ourselves in that tender compassion. We wear our Messiah’s Robe of Righteousness that covers us, it’s time we change the rags of our past so that our future focus is switched to what gives Him glory.
Terri, please outline when the line is drawn with false teaching and prophesy, and in other matters that steer people to false ideas about the Gospel. On the one hand, we are to be gentle and full of grace and forgiveness, but on the other, are we not to be bold as lions? I see so much of this and often, boldness is interpreted as divisive. As usual, a beautiful message you’ve shared today.
Hi Tamra! Thanks for stopping by. Always appreciate your insights.
If I’m understanding you, are you asking how do we handle people spouting false doctrine? I can only share what we’ve experienced.
It really depends upon whether or not the other people are teachable. We can speak truth in love and show them Scripturally, but if they are unteachable no amount of boldness will make a difference other than our opinions being very evident to them.
Once an adversarial relationship develops, like with all things, the Holy Spirit has to break through.
If you are in a leadership position, then you can draw the line and let them know they might be better served in another congregation only to protect the other members. That would be where boldness might step in. As long as they know they can return once they’re on the same “playing field” so to speak.
When boldness becomes divisive is when we no longer care for the person. Even though we may speak truth, boldly, if the person feels the least bit threatened we’ve gone too far. Couching boldness in love is possible. I’ve seen it done. I’m not quite as proficient at it.
Sometimes the Holy Spirit will give us insights we never thought of. However when we’re in that onward-Christian-soldier-mode we can’t hear those subtle insights.
Someone who is ensconced in false teaching will usually leave a trail of confused “victims”. I find those are much easier to bring back to Scriptural truths. Watch for these poor souls.
Like I said. This is my experience. Others might have different experiences.