2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
You might have heard the phrase, “He is so heavenly minded he is no earthly good.” But I think the opposite is true much more often, that we are so earthly minded we are no heavenly good. All that is of this world is going to disappear. “We can’t take it with us” captures the truth. When we are setting our minds on heaven we are gaining an eternal perspective on our temporary visit on this planet. This is not home. We are vacationing here. From an eternal perspective this 80 years we spend on earth are just a heartbeat, one oscillation of an oscilloscope. But this heartbeat determines our place in eternity, so we need to see it from that perspective. That is why Paul says we must keep our minds tuned it to that fact, a fact that includes our current position of right relationship with God. When I am wearing my uniform a different set of rules apply to my conduct. I must always have a cover (hat) on when I am outside. I must salute those of higher rank and return the salute of those with lower rank. If I drank alcohol I am not allowed to drink when I am in uniform except at official military functions. My uniform must be complete and worn properly. When travelling I must have my dogtags on my person. I must not participate in “conduct unbecoming an officer” or I can be punished for that conduct. Before I was in the military I did not have to subscribe to these types of regulations. I was free to act stupid. But now I must temper my actions in line with my position as an officer. So it is with us as Jesus-followers. We need to always remember that we must not participate in “conduct unbecoming a Jesus-follower.” We are wearing the uniform of God. Our life is hidden in Him. Our actions not only reflect our connection to God, but they reflect our commitment.
The Arnold Journey 