Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Col3#2
In the Scripture quoted above, Paul exhorts us to place our thought patterns, our reflective thinking, on "things above". We have a choice as to what we think about. What could be better than the Word of God that tells us of "things above".
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form,
and in Him you have been made complete, ...
having been buried with Him in baptism, (the act of being placed into Christ by the Holy Spirit), in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. ...
And since you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees? ... which have no value against the indulgence (or satisfying) of the flesh! Col. 2#6-10#12#20#23
Since 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.
When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. ... put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.
Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,
and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him...
And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; Col. 3#1-5#8-10#12
But I say, Through the instrumentality of the Spirit habitually order the manner of your life, and you will in no wise execute the passionate desire of the evil nature. Gal. 5#16
And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Col. 3#14-17
--GEM