The believer's mindedness is simple, it is simply to focus on Christ and where He is seated. Your mind's inclination should be towards Christ and the hope of glory. The scripture says in Colossians 1:27 that Christ in you is the hope of glory. Although as a believer, you are not exempted from trials and tribulations, but the consolation is that there is a glory ahead for as many as those that did not lose focus. The bible talks about the crown of glory awaiting as many as would not lose hope in this journey of faith. 1 Peter 5:4 says "And [then] when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the conqueror's crown of glory."

Therefore, let us examine the believer's mindedness from the book of Colossians 3:1-7. Verse 1 says "IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." The word 'then' is usually used to indicate what should happen or be done next. In other words, if certain things had happened or taken place, then this and this would occur. If rain had fallen, then the ground should be wet, if I had eaten, then I should be full.

So, if then you claim that you have been born again, and have been raised with Christ into a life, then your mindedness as a believer should be things above where Christ who is your new life is seated, and not on earthly things. Your aim then as a believer becomes single, and it is to focus on where Christ is, which is at the right hand of the father. Psalm 110:1 says 'The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool'.

Verse 2 says "And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth." Setting your mind on what is above becomes your responsibility and not Christ's. The reason is because your mind can't be on the world and at the same time be focused on the things above. The same way you cannot look up and down and the same time, then your mind cannot be heavenly and earthly at the same time. It has to be stationed somewhere per time.

Mind you, it is dangerous for you as a believer for your mind to be here on earth because the things which are on earth are temporal. Everything in this realm are passing away, they are not permanent. 2nd Corinthians 4:18 and 1 Corinthians 15:19 are two great Scriptures to corroborate that the earth is a temporary place, especially for believers. Your mind must continually be set on the things and above, and it must remain there. Someone may then say, but we are in this world, we live here, how possible can it be not to mind earthly things?

It is true you live in this world, but you are not of this world. Verse 3 answers that your concern succinctly. It says "For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God." In case you are wondering when you died to this world, it was at the point when Jesus died and when He rose again the third day, you rose with Him as well. Apostle Paul explained this in Galatians 2:20 about him being crucified with Christ. That is the same experience for every believer. When Christ was going through that vigorous redemptive process for our sakes, we were in Him, we partook of that process with Him.

So, what are the things that can make your mind not focus on Christ above? Verse 5 tells us certain things that can be done. It says "So kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God)." In other words, you have to deprive the flesh of its numerous desires and be focused on Christ. All those distractions that the body brings to make you lose focus, must be dealt with by the word of God.

In a nutshell, there must never be a time where the attention of our mind is shifted away from Christ and where He is seated. Although the cares of this world, may be overwhelming and may wants to make a believer's mind to lose focus, but never lose sight. Remember the Scriptures says in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.

I believe you have been blessed.

Thanks for the gift of your time, I am Obayomi Abiola Benjamin!

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