Are you a Christian?
What is your most important goal right now?
What are you seeking for? Is your priority, right?
Today we are examining Colossians 3 to uncover practical steps to align your life with Christ’s call to “set your affection on things above.” As someone who has studied Scripture deeply and lived the challenges of a busy life, I understand the tension between earthly distractions and heavenly focus.
By the end of this post, you’ll walk away with actionable insights on:
How to leave behind old habits that weigh you down.
The transformative power of living with eternity in mind.
How Christ-centered living can bring peace, purpose, and fulfillment to your daily life?
Remember when you read the bible read it as though the writer is talking to you because the purpose of the gospel is to change how we think and act and train us for our role in the new Jerusalem, So, the earth is where we are been trained to prepare us for heaven where we shall rule and reign with Jesus Christ.
The Battle for Your Focus
The Apostle Paul, in Colossians 3, speaks directly to our hearts. He asked a couple of questions. The first question you must answer is are You risen with Christ?
If your answer is yes then where is your focus, are you focusing on things above or on earth?
If your answer is no, then it is time for you to get saved today, so find a church right now get yourself baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the gift of the holy ghost
Paul knows we’re constantly tempted to prioritize earthly ambitions, but he reminds us that our identity is hidden in Him if we are followers of Christ (v.3).
Think about it: when was the last time you consciously “mortified” or put to death the habits, attitudes, or thoughts pulling you away from the Lord Jesus Christ?
Renew Your Mind and set your focus on Jesus Christ.
Paul now urges us to put off the “old man” and embrace the “new man” by setting our focus on Christ, which is a two-step process. (v.8-10). This isn’t just about avoiding sin; it’s about replacing harmful habits with Christlike characteristics he said we should: 1. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.
2: And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Practical Tip: Start your day with a “mind renewal moment.” Spend five minutes meditating on a Scripture that reminds you of your identity in Christ. For example, reflect on verse 23: “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord.”
Cultivate Godly Relationships
The chapter emphasizes unity in the body of Christ (v.11). Whether it’s in your marriage, family, or workplace, Paul outlines the behaviors that foster harmony—wives respecting husbands, husbands showing love, children obeying parents, and employees working with integrity. These we know are challenges for us today as about 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce, also many parent and children’s relationships are strained.
How can you accomplish what Paul is asking us to do? I am suggesting that this requires that we work on ourselves by making tough decisions, wives are to submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Do you think your husband is someone you should submit to? Is it easy to submit to your husbands? Will you do this?
Husbands, you are instructed to love your wives and not be bitter towards them. Why would you be bitter with your wife? This implies that they will do things that will hurt you. Is it easy not to be bitter? is this easy for you to do? Will you obey, and do it?
Children obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. And Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Practical Tip: Take one relationship in your life and ask: Am I contributing to peace or discord? Commit to showing grace and forgiveness, just as Christ has forgiven you (v.13).
Let Peace and Gratitude Rule Your Heart
Verse 15 calls us to “let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” This peace isn’t the absence of conflict but the presence of Christ guiding your decisions. Gratitude strengthens this peace.
Practical Tip: End each day by journaling three things you’re thankful for. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s wrong to what God has already provided.
Living for Eternity Starts Today
Paul’s words challenge us to stop living as if this world is our home. Verse 2 says it best: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Imagine how your life would look if every decision, word, and action were filtered through the lens of eternity. You’d worry less about fleeting accomplishments and focus more on the eternal reward promised by Christ (v.24).
Call to Action:
Today, take one step to realign your life with Christ. Whether it’s forgiving someone, starting a gratitude journal, or meditating on Scripture, start small but stay consistent.