Colossians 3:2

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Set your affection {G5426} on things above {G507}, not {G3361} on things on {G1909} the earth {G1093}.

Focus your minds on the things above, not on things here on earth.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.

Colossians 3:2 serves as a powerful call to reorient our focus and desires from the temporary to the eternal. Following the declaration in Colossians 3:1 that believers have been raised with Christ, this verse commands a corresponding shift in mindset and priorities.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's letter to the Colossian church, where he addresses various theological errors and practical implications of the Christian faith. The preceding chapters warn against worldly philosophies, legalistic practices, and false asceticism that distracted believers from the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. Having established the believer's new identity—died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world and raised with Him to new life—Paul now urges them to live consistently with this spiritual reality. The command to "set your affection" is a direct outflow of their new position in Christ, contrasting sharply with the earthly focus of those who have not experienced this spiritual transformation.

Key Themes

  • Heavenly Mindset: The primary theme is the cultivation of an eternal perspective. Believers are called to think, desire, and prioritize things that originate from God's kingdom and have lasting value, rather than being consumed by transient earthly concerns.
  • Spiritual Priorities: The verse challenges believers to evaluate what truly holds their attention and devotion. It advocates for a life where God's purposes, spiritual growth, and Christ's glory take precedence over material possessions, worldly success, or fleeting pleasures.
  • Countering Worldliness: It provides a direct antidote to materialism, consumerism, and any philosophy that anchors one's hope and security in earthly achievements or possessions. This heavenly focus is essential for spiritual vitality and freedom from the world's grip.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Set your affection" translates the Greek verb phroneo (φρονέω), which is much stronger than merely having an emotional attachment. It signifies to "think, to have a mindset, to set one's mind on, to be absorbed in, to devise, to care for." It implies a deep, intellectual, and volitional commitment—a deliberate decision to direct one's thoughts, intentions, and desires towards heavenly realities. This is not a passive sentiment but an active, continuous orientation of one's entire being. The contrast between "things above" (spiritual, eternal, divine) and "things on the earth" (material, temporary, human-centered) is stark and intentional, forcing a choice in where one's ultimate devotion lies.

Practical Application

For believers today, Colossians 3:2 is a vital reminder to continually re-evaluate our daily lives. It prompts us to ask:

  • What consumes my thoughts and energies?
  • Where do I seek my security, joy, and fulfillment?
  • Are my ambitions aligned with God's kingdom or worldly success?

Living out this verse means intentionally cultivating a spiritual perspective, which involves focusing on God's Word, prayer, and serving others, rather than being solely driven by earthly pursuits. It encourages living with an eternal perspective that informs our choices, relationships, and use of resources. This mindset frees us from the anxieties of earthly struggles and enables us to pursue a life that truly honors God, echoing the principle to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 John 2:15

    Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

  • 1 John 2:17

    And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

  • 1 Chronicles 22:19

    Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.

  • Colossians 3:1

    ¶ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

  • Matthew 16:23

    But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

  • Romans 8:4

    That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

  • Romans 8:6

    For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.
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