Living with Eternal Perspective

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will also appear with him in glory." — Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV)

The Call to a Higher Reality

The letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul to a church wrestling with false teachings and worldly distractions. In the midst of their confusion, Paul points them—and us—to the transformative truth of the gospel: because we have been raised with Christ, our lives are no longer bound by the temporary, but are anchored in the eternal.

The phrase "set your hearts on things above" is not a passive suggestion but an active command. In the original Greek, the verb "seek" (ζητεῖτε) implies a continual, intentional pursuit. Paul isn’t asking us to merely think about heaven occasionally; he’s urging us to reorient our entire existence around Christ’s lordship. The "things above" are not abstract concepts but the very realities of God’s kingdom—His righteousness, His presence, and His eternal purposes.

Yet, Paul knows how easily we slip into earthly fixation. The Colossians were tempted by legalism, mysticism, and materialism—distractions that still plague us today. We chase security in bank accounts, validation in social media, and purpose in career achievements. But Paul reminds us: "you died." Our old selves, with their petty cravings and fragile idols, were crucified with Christ. The life we now live is "hidden with Christ in God," a phrase bursting with intimacy and security. We are not just protected; we are united with Him.

Living Today with Tomorrow in Mind

What does it look like to live with an eternal perspective in a world that demands our full attention to the here and now?

First, it means redefining success. The world measures success in wealth, influence, and comfort. But if our lives are hidden in Christ, then true success is faithfulness—love expressed in small acts of kindness, integrity in the workplace, patience in parenting, and perseverance in suffering. These are the "things above" that endure.

Second, it means holding possessions loosely. Paul’s words challenge our attachment to material comforts. If our treasure is in heaven (Matthew 6:20), then we can live generously, knowing that what we give away in this life is simply an investment in the next.

Third, it means suffering with hope. When pain or disappointment comes—and it will—we don’t grieve as those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Our present struggles are "light and momentary" compared to the eternal glory awaiting us (2 Corinthians 4:17). This doesn’t minimize our pain but puts it in the context of a grander story.

Finally, it means anticipating Christ’s return. Paul ends this passage with a thrilling promise: "When Christ... appears, then you will also appear with him in glory." Our lives are leading to an unveiling—a moment when all shadows will fade, and we will step into the fullness of our identity in Him.

Practical Steps Toward an Eternal Mindset

How do we cultivate this perspective daily?

• Start with worship. Each morning, lift your eyes beyond the day’s demands. Sing, pray, or meditate on Scripture to remind yourself of Christ’s supremacy.
• Practice gratitude. Thank God for glimpses of His kingdom—a sunrise, a reconciled relationship, an answered prayer. Gratitude shifts our focus from lack to abundance.
• Serve sacrificially. When we give our time or resources to others, we declare that earthly treasures are temporary, but love is eternal.
• Simplify distractions. Regularly evaluate what consumes your attention. Social media, news cycles, or even good things like hobbies can become idols if they dominate your heart.

Conclusion: The Hope That Anchors Us

Living with an eternal perspective doesn’t mean ignoring earthly responsibilities. Rather, it infuses them with greater meaning. Changing diapers, filing reports, or mowing the lawn become acts of worship when done for Christ’s glory.

Paul’s words are both a challenge and a comfort. They call us upward, but they also assure us that our lives are secure in Christ. No failure, no loss, no earthly disappointment can unravel what God has already secured for us in eternity.

So today, whatever you face—whether joy or sorrow, busyness or stillness—remember: your life is hidden with Christ. And one day, sooner than we think, you will appear with Him, radiant in glory. Until then, set your heart above, and let that hope shape every moment below.

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