Set your mind on the things above.

Colossians 3:1-4, If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

It seems odd to first say that we were dead in our transgressions, and then to say that in Christ “you have died.” We were once spiritually dead; He has breathed the life of His Spirit into us. Another scripture helps us understand: that He has “crucified the flesh and its affections and lust.” We have an active part in this in actively setting our minds on the things above. When the things of earth seek to drag us back into the life of our flesh, we can always depend upon Him: “Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

We thank You that by Your power and amazing grace we can set our minds on things above and consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Jesus Christ!