Look Up

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Colossians 3:1-2

I hear a lot about the importance of "focus". The prevalence of the word in today’s world is understandable. It's easy to get distracted. At first glance the opening words of Colossians 3 simply seem to be about a proper focus on "things above" in contrast to "things on the earth". While that is true in one sense, I don’t want to ignore the importance of Christ in the center of the “things”.

While it is important to focus on "things above" vs "things below", our motivation and ability to do so is connected to Christ. According to Paul, our perspective and focus is transformed because we are "raised with Christ". It’s an unmistakable reference to the fact that we have been given new life. Spiritually, we walk out of the tomb and leave the old life behind. Consequently, we have new patterns of thinking. Our minds are set in the direction of Christ and the "things" that He values and elevates become more important. I think it’s significant that the "things above" are identified in proximity to Christ - "where Christ is".
 
Finally, contrary to our natural way of seeing, our focus is determined from the inside out. That seems counterintuitive. But, Paul identifies Christ as "our life". The life of Christ transforms us from inside out. Using a physical metaphor, I would say that focus begins in the heart and not the eyes.