Set Your Mind on Things Above
Taking Off the Old Life and Putting On the Character of Christ
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
—Colossians 3:2
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
—Colossians 3:2
Colossians 3 is one of the most practical chapters in the New Testament. It shows us what the life of someone who belongs to Jesus Christ should increasingly look like.
Paul begins with our thoughts, moves to our conduct, addresses our attitudes and relationships, and concludes with how we approach our daily work.
The chapter follows a clear progression:
Look up.
Put off the old life.
Put on the character of Christ.
Live everything for the Lord.
Paul uses the ordinary act of changing clothes to explain spiritual transformation. Just as we take off one garment and put on another, believers must actively remove attitudes belonging to the old life and clothe themselves with the character of Christ.
God enables us to do this—but He does not ask us to approach it passively.
Begin by Looking Up
Paul writes:
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is.”
—Colossians 3:1
Paul does not begin by giving us a list of rules. He begins by reminding us who we are.
The words “if then” carry the sense of “since this is true.” Since believers have been spiritually raised with Christ, our lives should now be directed toward Him.
Christian transformation begins with identity.
We do not change ourselves to persuade Christ to receive us. We begin changing because He has already received us, forgiven us, and made us new.
Paul continues:
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
—Colossians 3:2
Setting our minds on things above does not mean neglecting our earthly responsibilities. It means approaching those responsibilities from an eternal perspective.
We still care for our families, manage our finances, work, serve, rest, and make plans. But these things no longer define our ultimate purpose.
Yesterday’s lesson about the rich man and Lazarus showed us what can happen when a person’s mind remains fixed entirely upon earthly comfort. The rich man prepared carefully for his life on earth but ignored the condition of his heart and the suffering man at his gate.
Colossians 3 tells us to look beyond what is temporary and live in preparation for what is eternal.
Your Life Is Hidden With Christ
Paul gives believers a remarkable assurance:
“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
—Colossians 3:3
Our old identity no longer has the final word. Our lives are now joined to Christ.
Human beings may misunderstand, reject, overlook, or undervalue us. But our true identity is safely held in Jesus.
Then Paul points us toward the future:
“When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
—Colossians 3:4
Christ is not merely part of our lives. Paul says that Christ is our life.
Everything that follows in this chapter grows from that truth.
Because Christ is our life, we must take off what contradicts His character and put on what reflects Him.
Getting Dressed for the Christian Life
Every morning, we make a decision about what clothing we will wear.
We take off what we wore before, select something appropriate, and put it on. No one expects yesterday’s clothing to remove itself or today’s clothing to place itself upon us.
Paul uses this familiar picture to describe the believer’s responsibility.
God gives us our new identity. The Holy Spirit convicts, teaches, strengthens, and empowers us. Scripture shows us what belongs in our lives and what must be removed.
But we must respond.
Paul does not say:
“Wait passively until anger disappears.”
“Continue lying until God removes the habit without your participation.”
“Remain bitter until forgiveness suddenly becomes effortless.”
He gives active commands:
Put these things off.
Then he says:
Put these things on.
God works within us, but we cooperate through surrender and obedience.
“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
—Philippians 2:13
God supplies both the desire and the power, but we must make the obedient choice.
The process is simple to understand, but it is not always easy to practice.
Taking off a physical coat may require only a few seconds. Taking off anger, pride, lust, bitterness, lying, or unforgiveness may involve repeated repentance, prayer, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual growth is not passive—but neither is it accomplished through human willpower alone.
Put to Death What Belongs to the Old Life
Paul first addresses sinful desires:
“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth.”
—Colossians 3:5
He identifies sexual immorality, impurity, uncontrolled passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which he calls idolatry.
Covetousness becomes idolatry when something we desire takes the place in our hearts that belongs to God. Money, possessions, pleasure, status, recognition, comfort, or relationships can become objects of worship when we believe they are essential to our security and happiness.
Paul does not tell us to manage these sins, excuse them, rename them, or keep them hidden.
He says to put them to death.
That language is intentionally serious. Sin should not be treated as a harmless companion. We cannot nurture what Christ died to deliver us from.
This does not mean believers never struggle with temptation. Temptation itself is not the same as surrendering to sin. But we must refuse to feed, protect, or justify desires that oppose God.
Take Off the Old Garments
Paul then moves from sinful desires to sinful attitudes and speech:
“But now you yourselves are to put off all these.”
—Colossians 3:8
He identifies:
- Anger
- Wrath
- Malice
- Blasphemy
- Filthy language
- Lying
These are like stained garments from our former life. They no longer fit the identity Christ has given us.
Anger may feel powerful, but when we continue wearing it, it begins shaping the way we see every person and circumstance.
Bitterness may initially feel like protection, but it eventually becomes a prison.
Lying may appear to protect our reputation, but it damages trust and separates us from truth.
Malicious speech may give us temporary satisfaction, but it injures another person and dishonors Christ.
Paul says:
“Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.”
—Colossians 3:9
The old life is not who we are anymore. We should not continue wearing its clothing as if nothing has changed.
We Must Take Them Off
This is where the clothing illustration becomes especially helpful.
When anger rises, we must decide whether we will continue wearing it or take it off.
When an old resentment returns, we must decide whether we will wrap ourselves in it again or surrender it to God.
When someone mistreats us, we must decide whether to put on retaliation or respond with the character of Christ.
When gossip invites us to participate, we must decide whether to wear the old garment of harmful speech or clothe ourselves with truth and grace.
This does not mean denying that we have been hurt. Taking off bitterness is not pretending the wrong never happened.
It means refusing to allow another person’s sinful behavior to determine the condition of our heart.
We cannot always control what someone does to us. We can decide what we will permit their behavior to produce within us.
Put On the New Person
After describing what must be removed, Paul tells us what to put on:
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.”
—Colossians 3:12
Notice again that identity comes before instruction.
Paul calls believers:
- Chosen by God
- Holy
- Beloved
Then he tells them how to dress consistently with that identity.
We do not put on kindness so that God might love us. We put on kindness because we are already beloved.
We do not practice humility to earn acceptance. We practice humility because we have been accepted through Christ.
We do not show mercy to purchase salvation. We show mercy because we have received mercy.
The clothing has been provided through our relationship with Christ, but we must choose to wear it.
Put On Tender Mercy
Tender mercy allows us to notice the pain of another person.
The rich man in Luke 16 failed at this very point. Lazarus suffered outside his gate, but the rich man’s heart remained untouched.
Tender mercy sees the person others overlook.
It notices the lonely, the struggling family, the prisoner, the forgotten older adult, the confused young person, and the neighbor who needs Christ.
Mercy does not mean that we can solve every problem. It means we do not allow our hearts to become indifferent.
Put On Kindness and Humility
Kindness treats people with dignity, including those who cannot repay us.
Humility does not mean thinking we have no value. It means we do not need to exalt ourselves above others.
A humble person can receive correction, admit wrongdoing, and serve without demanding recognition.
Humility also protects us from becoming harsh when we believe we are right. Truth does not need arrogance to defend it.
Put On Meekness and Patience
Meekness is not weakness. It is strength placed under God’s control.
A meek person may possess the power to retaliate but chooses restraint because he desires to honor Christ.
Patience allows us to endure frustrating people and difficult circumstances without immediately exploding, withdrawing, or seeking revenge.
These garments are especially difficult to wear when we are being misunderstood or disrespected. Yet those are the moments when Christlike character becomes most visible.
Put On Forgiveness
Paul writes:
“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another…even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
—Colossians 3:13
Forgiveness is one of the most difficult garments to put on because our old nature wants justice on our terms and according to our timetable.
Forgiveness does not mean:
- The wrong was insignificant.
- Trust must be restored immediately.
- We must remain exposed to abuse.
- Wise boundaries are unnecessary.
- Reconciliation can occur without truth or repentance.
Forgiveness means releasing personal vengeance into God’s hands. It means refusing to let hatred become part of our identity.
We forgive because Christ forgave us.
Sometimes forgiveness is not a single emotional moment. It is a choice we must make again whenever the pain returns.
Each time resentment tries to wrap itself around us, we take it off again and put on the forgiveness Christ has provided.
Above All, Put On Love
Paul writes:
“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”
—Colossians 3:14
Love is the garment that holds everything else together.
Without love, truth can become harsh.
Without love, discernment can become suspicion.
Without love, service can become self-promotion.
Without love, obedience can become empty religious performance.
Biblical love does not approve of everything. It rejoices in truth. But it seeks the genuine good of another person—even when correction, distance, or boundaries are necessary.
We cannot wear the character of Christ comfortably while insisting upon keeping the garments of the old life.
We cannot cling tightly to hatred while claiming to be clothed in love.
Something must be taken off so that something better can be put on.
Let the Peace of Christ Rule
Paul continues:
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.”
—Colossians 3:15
The word rule carries the picture of an umpire making a decision.
When anger, fear, resentment, and confusion compete for control, the peace of Christ should govern our response.
This does not mean we will never experience emotional pain. It means pain does not receive final authority over our decisions.
Then Paul adds:
“And be thankful.”
Thankfulness appears repeatedly in this chapter. Gratitude helps loosen the grip of anger, entitlement, fear, and dissatisfaction.
A thankful heart remembers what God has already provided rather than continually dwelling upon what others have withheld.
Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You
Paul writes:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.”
—Colossians 3:16
God’s Word should not be an occasional visitor. It should dwell within us—making itself at home in our thoughts, values, decisions, and responses.
This is one reason memorizing Colossians 3 would be so valuable. When Scripture lives within us, the Holy Spirit can bring it to mind when we need direction.
When anger rises, we remember: Put it off.
When someone needs compassion, we remember: Put on tender mercies.
When resentment returns, we remember: Forgive as Christ forgave you.
When we feel unnoticed, we remember: Whatever you do, do it as to the Lord.
We may not memorize the entire chapter immediately. We can begin with one section:
- Colossians 3:1–4 — Set your mind above.
- Colossians 3:5–11 — Put off the old life.
- Colossians 3:12–17 — Put on Christlike character.
- Colossians 3:18–25 — Serve the Lord in every relationship.
Scripture is memorized one verse at a time and lived one decision at a time.
Whatever You Do
Paul provides a principle that covers every part of life:
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
—Colossians 3:17
Whatever leaves nothing outside Christ’s authority.
Our conversations belong to Him.
Our finances belong to Him.
Our family relationships belong to Him.
Our work belongs to Him.
Our abilities, opportunities, and remaining years belong to Him.
To do something in the name of Jesus means that we act as His representatives and for His honor.
Before speaking or acting, we might ask:
Can I do this in a way that represents Jesus faithfully?
Christ in Our Closest Relationships
Paul then applies the new life to the household. He addresses wives, husbands, children, and fathers.
These instructions should never be used to excuse domination, cruelty, manipulation, or abuse. Every member of the household lives under the authority of Christ.
Husbands are commanded to love their wives and not become bitter toward them. Children are instructed to obey their parents. Fathers are warned not to provoke or discourage their children.
The new life must become visible at home.
It is easier to appear spiritual before people who see us occasionally than before those who experience our attitudes every day. Christlike character should be most evident among those closest to us.
Serving When People Do Not Appreciate Us
Paul also addresses servants and masters within the social structure of his time. The institution of slavery was not identical to modern employment, and these verses should never be used to justify human exploitation.
Nevertheless, the spiritual principle applies broadly to the responsibilities entrusted to us:
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
—Colossians 3:23
People may overlook our efforts.
They may not thank us.
They may misunderstand our motives.
They may fail to honor our experience or recognize the value of our service.
But human recognition is not our ultimate reward.
We serve the Lord.
This does not mean remaining in abusive or unlawful circumstances without seeking help. It means that wherever God has given us a legitimate responsibility, we approach it with sincerity because Christ is our true Master.
Paul continues:
“Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
—Colossians 3:24
This connects directly with the Judgment Seat of Christ and our desire to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Nothing done faithfully for Christ is forgotten.
A quiet act of kindness may go unnoticed by people but not by Jesus.
A prayer offered in secret is heard.
A lesson shared with one person matters.
A burden carried matters faithfully.
A gift invested in another person matters.
We are not working for salvation. We are serving because we have been saved—and because our Lord is worthy.
A Daily Spiritual Wardrobe Check
Before beginning each day, we might prayerfully ask:
What must I take off today?
- Anger
- Bitterness
- Malice
- Pride
- Lust
- Covetousness
- Dishonesty
- Harmful speech
- The desire to retaliate
What must I put on today?
- Tender mercy
- Kindness
- Humility
- Meekness
- Patience
- Forgiveness
- Love
- Peace
- Thankfulness
Then we can pray:
“Lord, show me what does not belong in the life You have given me. Help me take it off and clothe myself with the character of Christ.”
Not Self-Improvement, but Transformation
Colossians 3 is not a program for becoming a nicer person through determination alone.
It is a description of life flowing from union with Christ.
We have died with Him.
We have been raised with Him.
Our lives are hidden with Him.
He is our life.
He is coming again.
Because these things are true, we are called to live differently.
We do not put off sin and put on virtue to make ourselves worthy of Jesus.
We do it because Jesus has made us His own.
We do not obey so that He will save us.
We obey because He has saved us by grace and is transforming us into His likeness.
A Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that my life is hidden with Christ and that You have given me a new identity through Him.
Show me the garments of the old life that I continue trying to wear. Help me put off anger, bitterness, pride, dishonesty, harmful speech, impurity, and every attitude that does not reflect Jesus.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, help me put on tender mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, and thankfulness.
Let the peace of Christ rule my heart and the Word of Christ dwell in me richly. Help me represent Jesus faithfully in my words, relationships, responsibilities, and work.
When people do not recognize or appreciate what I do, remind me that I serve the Lord Christ. May every ability, opportunity, and remaining day of my life be invested for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Final Question
What garment from the old life are you still wearing—and what part of Christ’s character is He asking you to put on in its place?
The Christian life begins with what Christ has done for us. But spiritual growth involves our daily response to what He is doing within us.
Look up.
Take off the old.
Put on the new.
And whatever you do, do it heartily for the Lord.
