Colossians 3:1-2 has instructions to set our minds and affections in a certain place.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (ESV)
This is important for pioneering hearts and passionate leaders. For those that are full of hope, this becomes a reality for progress. I looked into the Greek words in this verse that gives some further insight that we can use as we move forward in our assignments.
So much of the New Testament is the original apostles giving revelation for those of the Old Covenant to open their hearts and minds to the realities and implementation of the New Covenant. When we look at New Testament Scripture through those lenses, we can clearly see God's call to all people to go beyond the covenant that was to pass away and set focus on the Covenant Christ implemented and mediated.
To get the most out of Colossians 3:1-2, we need to see some of the Greek words used and then tie it all together. This will fuel your heart!
The Greek word used that is translated "seek" is "zeteo" which means - to seek in order to find or crave. That shows us a sense of "longing for, desire, passionate pursuit". Some Bible translations use the English word "focus".
Some Bible translations state the verse to say "seek the things of heaven". The Greek word for heaven/above is "ano" which means "above or on high". The cool thing with the word ano is that is comes from the Greek word "anti" which means "against or opposite".
Putting this together allows us to see the instructions here is to put our focus on things that are higher or above or opposite the way it has been. This point is driven home even more as verse 2 emphasizes to put our mind/affections on things not of the earth. The Greek word for earth is "ge". It's meaning is "ground, abode of man, material from which things are formed with the implied idea of frailty and weakness".
You and I are being told to put our focus/affections/pursuits on things above/opposite the frail/weak things that are passing away. Paul was writing to those that had to move from an Old Covenant mindset as it was passing away. They were being told to wrap their heart and mind around the higher work of Christ and the New Covenant that wasn't frail but everlasting. The work of Christ has provided all that is needed for us to rise above an old/passing season and era. Christ has made the way into that which is beyond what has been.
For us now, we need to be those full of hope that there are things we are to move into that is higher, more glorious, then what we've done so far. We are glad for and appreciate what we've been doing as it has been something higher than what was before that. But the reality we see here is that there is still more of Christ to be seen and glory to be displayed.
As pioneering hearts that are passionately leading businesses, congregations, homes, and ministries, you are hearing His voice drawing you into what is next. We are being called to rise above what has been. I believe you carry what is needed for this season. I believe God has put in you the revelation, strategies, vision, and desire for what is to come forth now. Don't let your mind and emotions stay parked or attached to a past day, but be open and crave what can be in this day. I think these verses are needed because we all have opportunity to struggle through change and transition. We need encouraged and reminded to not be so attached to what we've already seen that we opt out of leading in new directions. Our businesses, congregations, and families can not thrive by holding to what we have grown comfortable with. We are challenged to seek something higher, something above the frail things that are passing away. It's in you to progress. Christ is seated high above and His Kingdom is ever expanding. This is the time to rise.
Forget what is behind, press toward what's ahead, strive for the goal.... Phil 3.
