So pray for God to give you a heavenly mindset. Make deliberate choices in your life to prevent growing too attached to this life. If we are a church full of heaven-set people, willing to make decisions that would be nonsensical except in the light of heavenly reality, realm, and reward, then when we share the gospel, others will know we believe it.
Some time ago my wife and I flew to Europe from our home in South Africa. We first had to take a domestic flight from Durban to the international airport in Johannesburg. Everyone on that domestic flight was appropriately dressed for the blazing heat and oppressive humidity of midsummer—shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. We were wearing jeans, boots, long-sleeved tops, and were carrying sweaters and snow jackets.
We disembarked at the uncomfortably warm domestic terminal and we made our sticky, sweaty way to the international terminal. That’s when we started seeing more folk with the northern hemisphere in mind. It was easy to tell who was leaving and who was staying by their clothing. The travelers were not concerned about appearances at the airport because they would only be there for a few hours, and in a short while would be grateful for their warm clothes.
Why? Because they had set their minds on a European winter, not an African summer.
Can onlookers tell what your final destination is by the way you behave? Or do you live like this life is your final destination?
This is what the Apostle Paul addresses in Colossians 3:1-4
Four facts to keep in mind so that you can keep a heavenly mindset
1. Keep in mind your heavenly reality
Colossians 3:1 If [since] then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Paul has just completed two chapters on the doctrine of our salvation and from chapter three proceeds with the outworking of this doctrine. If you believe the doctrine of the first two chapters…then live like it.
This belief impacts your speech, your prayer, your family, your work environment, and your evangelism.
2. Keep in mind your heavenly realm
Colossians 3:3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Your motives should be fueled by your relationship with Christ. We don’t become Christians so that we can have better families, feel great about ourselves, feel forgiven, get healed, or even to go to heaven.
We become Christians to get Christ.
