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“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” —Colossians 3:2–3
Thinking on Things Above: Not Mystical, But Positional
In the Mid-Acts dispensational view, “thinking on things above” is not about mysticism or chasing signs and wonders—it’s about anchoring our minds in the positional truths revealed through Paul’s distinct apostleship. It’s about understanding who we are in Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery (Romans 16:25), and letting that truth shape our thoughts, decisions, and affections.
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” —Philippians 3:20
We are not Israel. We are not under law. We are not waiting for a kingdom to come down to earth. We are part of the Body of Christ, a heavenly people with a heavenly hope. Our blessings are “in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3), and our identity is not tied to earthly rituals, performance, or circumstances.
To “think on things above” is to:
🕊️ Meditate on our complete acceptance in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6)
🕊️ Rest in our sealed position by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)
🕊️ Rejoice in our heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20)
🕊️ Walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)
🕊️ View suffering through the lens of eternal glory (Romans 8:18)
It’s not escapism—it’s clarity.
It’s not ignoring earthly needs—it’s interpreting them through the lens of grace. When we think on things above, we’re not trying to "ascend"—we’re remembering that we’re already risen with Christ (Colossians 3:1).
Practical Application
Thinking on things above doesn’t mean abandoning our responsibilities—it means infusing them with eternal purpose. A homemaker who folds laundry while meditating on her completeness in Christ is thinking on things above. An artist who paints with the intention of reflecting grace and peace is thinking on things above. A woman who faces hardship but clings to Romans 8:38–39 is thinking on things above.
It’s a mindset rooted in doctrine, not emotion. It’s a daily renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2), shaped by Pauline truth rightly divided.
Keeping Our Focus on Things Above
There’s a quiet ache that settles in when our hearts chase what the world promises—security, beauty, approval, control. These things echo loudly, but they never satisfy. The gospel of grace, revealed to Paul for this present dispensation, invites us to a deeper stillness. It reminds us that our “conversation”—our citizenship, our identity—is already in heaven.
We are not striving to earn a place with God. We are resting in the truth that we are already seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). This grace is not fragile. It is not conditional. It is a gift, freely given, and it changes everything.
When we quiet the "earthly echo", we begin to hear the gentle rhythm of grace. Homemaking becomes holy ground. Stewardship becomes worship. Even our weaknesses become vessels for His strength. The gospel of grace doesn’t ask us to escape the world—it teaches us to see it through the lens of eternity.
Let today be a soft turning. Not a harsh rejection of earthly things, but a peaceful re-centering on the One who holds all things together.
Father God, Thank You for the grace that found me, the truth that steadies me, and the hope that lifts my eyes above the noise. Help me to quiet the earthly echo and tune my heart to Your eternal melody. Remind me that I am Yours—not because of what I do, but because of what You’ve done. Let my thoughts dwell in heavenly places and let my life reflect the peace of knowing I am complete in You. Teach me to walk in grace, to rest in truth, and to live with affection set above. In Your Son's precious name, Amen.
Journaling Prompts
What earthly echoes have been loud in my heart lately? How can I gently quiet them?
Reflect on Philippians 3:20. What does it mean to live as someone whose “conversation is in heaven”?
Write a grace-based affirmation that you can speak over your day.
In what small, quiet ways can I reflect heavenly peace in my home, my ministry, or my creative work?
What's New with Grace Living Ministry
New Podcasts
I have started a new series of podcasts regarding "Frugal Living for the Christian Homemaker". I know that today the economy is really not so good - and many families are struggling financially, just trying to get by. I decided to create this series to help encourage you during this difficult time and to give practical advice on how to live more frugally - something my family and I are doing as well! These podcasts will be shared every other Tuesday. CLICK HERE for the first episode on Spotify or watch on youtube.
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Complete in Him: Healing Body Image Issues for Christian Women - this is another new series of podcasts that I will be sharing every other Tuesday. This series is to help Christian women in learning to have more gratitude and contentment about our bodies and to overcome the many lies and deceptions of diet culture. CLICK HERE to listen to the first episode in this series.
New Products (click on images to learn more or to order & download)
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I really loved your book as it was easy to read, used Scriptures well, encouraged others while pointing out potential problems, but especially, giving a myriad of solutions and application ideas. Well written! Thank you. - Deborah
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