We are in the time often called Lent. Traditionally it is a time for us to give-up or sacrifice something we value to help us remember Jesus’s sacrifice for us. What Paul tells us to do — set our heartson things above, where Christ is seated — is exactly what Lent is intended to help us do. This Sunday we’ll consider how to “set our hearts”, beginning with remembering Christ’s death in communion.
sermon: Set our minds above … Because we are hidden in Jesus (Colossians 3:1-2,3)
Setting Our Minds on Things Above
Why looking up changes how we live right now
As we move toward Easter, many Christians enter a season called Lent, about 40 days of slowing down, simplifying life and paying closer attention to God. Traditionally, some people give up things like chocolate or coffee. But the Bible invites us to go much deeper than simply removing a treat from our routine.
One of the clearest guides for this “going deeper” is found in Colossians 3:1–3. These short verses encourage us to lift our eyes higher and see our lives from God’s point of view.
Here are the big ideas in simple language.
1. You belong to a new life
Colossians says that if you follow Jesus, something real has changed:
You have been raised with Christ.
That means:
- You’re starting a new life that’s shaped by Jesus.
- You’re becoming a new kind of person.
- You’re learning to live like an apprentice; someone who is intentionally training under Jesus.
This isn’t just a metaphor. The Bible describes it as a deep, mysterious truth: we are somehow “in Christ”, and Christ is with us.
2. Look up—set your heart and mind on things above
We’re told to “set your hearts on things above” and “set your minds on things above.”
That simply means:
- Pay attention to what God cares about.
- Let heaven’s values shape your choices today.
- Don’t let fear, stress, or everyday worries be the boss of your life.
Some call this having an eternal perspective. It doesn’t mean ignoring life here. It means seeing life here with God’s eyes.
3. Jesus is at God’s right hand and that matters for you
The passage says Jesus is “seated at the right hand of God,” which is the place of authority and power.
Because we belong to Him, this means:
- He prays for us (intercedes for us).
- He advocates for us. God sees us through Jesus’ righteousness.
- He reigns over everything: the universe, history and the church.
- He mediates for us like a perfect priest.
- He prepares a future for us, both now and forever.
So when life feels overwhelming or confusing, we remember we have Someone in heaven who knows us, represents us and leads us.
4. We live in two realities at the same time
The Bible says our lives are now “hidden with Christ in God.”
That means:
- We live our everyday lives here—working, studying, caring for people.
- But at the same time, our identity and future are held securely with Jesus.
- Even if we don’t fully understand how this works, it’s real and it changes how we live.
We are both “here” and “with Christ.”
It’s a mystery, but it’s a hopeful one.
5. Because Jesus died for us, we live differently
Colossians reminds us: “You died.”
This means our old, broken way of living is no longer in charge.
Jesus’ death opened the way for:
- forgiveness
- reconciliation with God
- a fresh start
- a new path forward
- an abundant life that is full, free and purposeful
Every day becomes a chance to grow into this new life.
6. Moving forward with purpose
As we continue the journey toward Easter, these verses give us a simple vision:
- Look up.
- Pay attention to what God is doing.
- Remember who you belong to.
- Let your heart and mind stay close to Jesus.
- Live out your faith with purpose, love, and hope.
This season isn’t about giving up small things—it’s about becoming the person God is shaping us to be.