Devotions
Set your mind on the things above
Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God - Colossians 3:1
Some
years ago, I came across an article about Eric Rutayisire, a young Rwandan entrepreneur
in his late twenties at that time, who had invested in drones. Being young with
such a big ambition and achievement on his credit, he attracted the curiosity
of many. During one his many interviews, a journalist asked him what he thought
about the expression the sky is the limit. He said, “for us, we operate in the
sky, so the sky is our reference; we have no limit.” That was a powerful
statement! I kept thinking about what it really means to have a reference.
In the
context of that statement, reference means, a place, a person and document a
person goes back to, for comparison or information, to make the right decision.
People like to have a reference, or another person they want to learn from in
one area or another. It is our human nature; it makes us feel secure that
someone has our backs. It is empowering to have a person to look up to when we
must make a decision or solve a problem. As the young man’s statement implies,
the more accomplished your reference is, the higher the environment you operate
in is, the more capable of accomplishing exploits you become. The book of
Ephesians 2:6 says that we are not only raised with Christ, but we are also seated
with him in the heavenly realms. Therefore, if we constantly live in the
heavenly realms, Christ is our reference.
How can
believers have Christ as their reference in a practical way? Rev Charles Seldon
provided the best possible answer to this question. In 1886 he started what is
called “What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)” as an exhortation to make decisions and
live life in the same way that Jesus Christ would. A Christians who lives by
this principle must always ask questions such as, if Jesus were here, what
would he say in this situation? How would he act and react? How would he answer
when wronged? This is how we develop the mind of Christ. For such a mindset,
there is no limit to what they can achieve; there is no obstacles they can’t
overcome and no river they can’t cross. Everything becomes possible for the one
who decides to be and live like Christ.
One
thing is sure with those with the mind Jesus, they think of legacy, influence,
change and transformation. Those with an earthy mind are into short-lived
pleasures, futile discussions, irrelevant fights and thirst for control. We can
either have our minds set on the things above with Christ as our reference or
on earthy things, but there is no midway. Earthy things are ephemeral; they don’t
last, whereas the things above are eternal. Who wants to spend their efforts on
things that are short-lived? Earthy things are fake, they are not real, there
is no true value in them so they do not give full satisfaction. Therefore, let
us set our mind on the things above for they are true riches; the peace, the
joy and the contentment from above are real and eternal.
Posted : Apr 13, 2026