Article #6
Set Your Affection on Things Above — Colossians 3:2
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“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” — Colossians 3:2 (KJV)
What does it mean to set your affection on things above?
The apostle Paul gives Christians a direct instruction in Colossians 3:2: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
This does not mean that Christians are supposed to ignore their responsibilities, families, work, or everyday lives. Scripture teaches something deeper: our primary focus, desires, values, and hope should be centered on Christ and the things of God.
Look Above
Paul begins Colossians 3 by directing believers toward Christ:
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”
— Colossians 3:1 (KJV)
The Christian life begins with a change in direction.
Instead of allowing the things of this present world to become the center of our lives, Scripture calls us to seek the things above—where Christ is.
Then Paul says:
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
— Colossians 3:2 (KJV)
Our attention matters because what continually occupies our minds can influence what we desire, pursue, and ultimately live for.
The Things of Earth Are Temporary
The Bible repeatedly reminds us that the things of this present world do not last forever.
Jesus said:
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.”
— Matthew 6:19 (KJV)
Instead, Jesus instructed His followers to lay up treasures in heaven.
This does not mean possessions are automatically evil. The issue is where our treasure and heart are placed.
Jesus continued:
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
— Matthew 6:21 (KJV)
Christ Must Remain the Center
Setting our affection on things above means remembering who our lives ultimately belong to.
Jesus said:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
— Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
Christ is not supposed to be an addition to an otherwise worldly life.
He is supposed to be at the center.
This is consistent with the message of Christ Above: putting Christ above everything else.
What Should We Set Our Minds On?
Scripture gives believers a clear picture of what should occupy their thoughts.
Paul wrote:
“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report...”
— Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
The Christian is called to deliberately direct the mind toward things that honor God.
That requires discipline.
The world constantly competes for our attention. News, entertainment, money, possessions, status, fear, conflict, and countless other things can consume our thoughts.
But Scripture calls us to look higher.
Our Hope Is in Christ
The reason Christians can look above is because Christ is there.
Paul wrote:
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
— Philippians 3:20 (KJV)
Our ultimate citizenship and hope are not tied to this temporary world.
Jesus promised His followers:
“I go to prepare a place for you.”
— John 14:2 (KJV)
That promise gives believers an eternal perspective.
Setting Your Affection on Things Above Is a Daily Decision
This is not something we do once and never think about again.
Every day brings opportunities to choose what receives our attention.
Will we allow fear to control our thoughts—or trust God?
Will we pursue temporary things as though they are eternal—or remember what truly lasts?
Will we allow the world to define our priorities—or allow God's Word to shape them?
Romans 12:2 says:
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
The battle for our direction often begins with the mind.
Keep Your Eyes on Christ
Colossians 3:2 is ultimately a call to redirect our hearts toward Christ.
The world is temporary.
Christ is eternal.
The things of earth will pass away, but God's Word remains.
John wrote:
“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
— 1 John 2:17 (KJV)
So set your affection on things above.
Seek Christ.
Stand on His Word.
Keep your eyes on what is eternal.
Christ Above. All Things. Always.