“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” – Colossians 3:2
We, especially men, are wired to think in terms of what we can achieve, build, and accumulate. We chase after goals—whether it's climbing the career ladder, providing for our families, or ensuring a secure future. These pursuits are not inherently wrong, but too often, we allow them to consume us, pushing aside the bigger picture of eternity. The reality is, while the things of this world are temporary, the things of God are eternal.
In Colossians 3:2, the apostle Paul calls us to something higher, something that redefines our priorities: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." This verse is a wake-up call to men who may be so caught up in the daily grind that they lose sight of God’s eternal perspective. Paul is reminding us to adjust our focus—not just in terms of what we do, but in terms of what we desire, where we direct our hearts and minds.
We must take a hard look at what’s temporary versus eternal in our lives and challenge ourselves to realign our focus on the things that truly matter. We must shift our daily focus so that we can prioritize the things of God because the things of earth are fleeting, but those of heaven endure forever.
The Danger of a Temporary Focus
The world we live in constantly bombards us with messages about success, achievement, and status. Whether it's through advertising, social media, or cultural expectations, men are often measured by what they have achieved or accumulated. Success is often defined by the next promotion, the perfect car, the size of your paycheck, or the status you hold among peers.
These pursuits are not evil in themselves. God blesses us with resources, skills, and opportunities to succeed. However, there’s a danger in becoming too consumed with the things that are here today and gone tomorrow. Money, prestige, power, and even physical strength—all of these things will eventually fade away. The cars will rust, the jobs will change, and even the people we look to for validation can disappoint us. If we set our affection—our heart—on these things, we are building our lives on a foundation that is unstable and temporary.
We need to remember that God calls us to live for something bigger, something that transcends the here and now. We are not merely working toward earthly goals; we are building for eternity. Jesus warned about this in Matthew 6:19-21.
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Matthew 6:19-21
What we treasure most reveals where our heart truly lies. If our affection is set on earthly things—whether that’s wealth, success, or status—then our hearts will be tied to the fleeting nature of those things. But if we treasure the eternal things of God, our hearts will be focused on what will endure forever.
The Eternal Focus: Why It Matters
God is calling us to set our minds and hearts on eternal things, on the things that are of lasting value. But what exactly are those eternal things? Paul answers this in Colossians 3:1-4, when he urges believers to “seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” These eternal things are rooted in Christ—His kingdom, His righteousness, His purposes.
What does it look like for a man to set his mind on things above? It means:
- Investing in Godly Relationships
Relationships that reflect the love and character of Christ have eternal significance. Your relationship with your wife, your children, your friends, and other believers is an investment in eternity. These are relationships where your can boldly declare the gospel and see others come to Christ because of your efforts to serve Him. These relationships are the places where you can influence and build others up in the faith, laying a foundation that lasts long after this life is over.
- Pursuing God’s Kingdom
Setting your mind on eternal things means seeking God’s kingdom first—making His will your priority. This is living out the kingdom of God—boldness, love, mercy, and truth—in everything you do. Whether you’re at work, in your home, or with your friends, pursuing God’s kingdom means reflecting Christ and living with eternal impact.
- Living with an Eternal Perspective
The things we do today—whether big or small—are part of something much bigger than ourselves. If we live with an eternal perspective, we begin to see everything through the lens of God’s purpose. Work is no longer just a means to an end, but an opportunity to serve others and honor God. Family is no longer about providing comfort and security, but about raising up the next generation in the fear and knowledge of the Lord.
- Storing Up Treasures in Heaven
Jesus encouraged His followers to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth. What does that mean for men? It means using the resources God has given us—our time, money, and abilities—not for temporary gain, but for eternal impact. This might look like using your income to further the work of the gospel, serving others sacrificially, declaring the gospel, or giving your time to invest in eternal pursuits. These are treasures that will never fade.
Practical Ways to Shift Your Focus
So how do we, as men, actually set our minds on things above in the midst of a world that is obsessed with the temporary? It requires intentionality and discipline. Here are some practical ways to realign your focus:
- Start Your Day with Eternity in Mind
The first moments of your day set the tone for everything that follows. Begin by intentionally focusing on God’s Word, reflecting on what matters most, and praying for a heart that longs for the things of God. Meditate on eternal truths rather than getting sucked into the rush of daily tasks. Take time to pray, asking God to help you prioritize eternal values over temporary distractions.
- Evaluate Your Priorities
Take a step back and assess where you’re investing your time and energy. Are your daily routines centered on temporary things, or are they aligned with God’s kingdom? Ask yourself: Am I investing in relationships that matter for eternity? Am I using my work and resources to serve others and advance God’s kingdom? Realigning your priorities may mean cutting out certain distractions or adjusting your goals to focus more on eternal pursuits.
- Practice Generosity
Generosity is a powerful way to shift your focus from the temporary to the eternal. Whether it’s giving of your time, money, or resources, generosity helps you detach from materialism and invest in things that have lasting value. Be generous with your time—invest in people. Be generous with your finances—support ministries and causes that advance God’s kingdom.
- Live for God’s Glory
Ultimately, setting your mind on eternal things means living every moment for God’s glory. Whether you're working, spending time with family, or simply enjoying a hobby, do it all for God’s kingdom. Ask yourself: How can I make this moment count for eternity? It’s not about doing something extraordinary; it’s about doing everything with the mindset that it all matters in God’s plan.
We are called to more than just temporary success or worldly gain. We are called to live with an eternal perspective—investing in the things that will last beyond our time on earth. By setting our minds on things above, we align ourselves with God's purposes, and our lives take on an eternal significance. So, today, take a step back and evaluate your focus. Are you investing in the temporary, or are you setting your affection on the eternal things of God? Let’s live with eternity in mind, knowing that what we build for God will last forever.