There’s an old saying, “They’re so heavenly minded, they’re no earthly good.” It’s often said about people whose gaze seems fixed on eternity to the point that they seem to lose touch with the realities and needs here on earth. And yet, in Colossians 3:2, we’re told to, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” So, is there a contradiction here?
Interestingly, the Bible paints a picture of God’s people as those who keep their eyes on heaven in a way that empowers them to bring His goodness and love into the world. When we fill our hearts and minds with God’s truth, we don’t become detached from the world; instead, we become equipped to love and serve others in ways we wouldn’t on our own. As C.S. Lewis once noted, “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.”
Prayer, communion, worship, and reflecting on Scripture might feel like practices that take us away from the pressing demands of the day. But these are the moments when God shapes our hearts and renews our minds. They’re the times when He fills us with love, wisdom, and strength that the world desperately needs.
Today, try setting aside a few extra moments to “fix your eyes above,” trusting that God will not only meet you there but will also equip you to be of earthly good in ways that reflect His kingdom.