Focus your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2, TLV
How to 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)
When those “things” of whatever nomenclature are revealed, we repent, receive forgiveness, and then are 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.
Shabbat shalom.
