Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
I have heard a number of reflections on this verse and have led some myself. The theme is usually along the lines of concentrating on God and not getting caught up in the things of this world. As I consider this verse again I think how difficult that idea is to put into practice. The only way would be to not have any contact with anyone else in the world and that is impossible. Besides if we have no contact with others we are also not providing care and support (pastoral care) to others and not becoming aware of/involved in social justice issues. Yet God is not the head of any government in the world and certainly not the CEO of any company.
So how should we interpret this verse? It is about showing our love of and belief in God to others – through our actions and words. It is about keeping God in our minds and hearts all the time. It is also about asking for and receiving forgiveness for the many times that we have left God out of our words and actions.
Lord, you are always with us, beside us, guiding us. Help us to remember you in all that we do and say. Forgive us for the many times that we have forgotten about you and not shown your love and our belief in you to others. Amen.
Shirley Bowers
Lay Preacher