August 1, 2013
Colossians 3:2 — 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.
Our school motto was “Altiora Peto” — “I seek higher things”. It was a good motto. Sadly, nobody ever really talked to us about what “higher things” meant. Fortunately Paul provides plenty of clues about what higher things might be. Higher things are the things which are not “on the earth”. It’s a reminder of the Ecclesiastes focus on the vanity of things “under the sun”. Things on the earth have, at best, short-term value. Paul tells us believers are to think and live in the Spirit, not in the flesh (cf. Rom. 8:1–17). They have a choice and must set their lifestyle priorities. Being saved does not automatically issue in godly living, but it should.
It’s deliberate – Set your mind on higher things. ANYTHING ELSE that takes first place in your mind and life is an idol – including religious ceremonies (which Paul had focused on earlier in his letter to the Colossians). Things in heaven are the treasures to seek, as Jesus said: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found , he hideth , and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath , and buyeth that field.” (Matthew 13:44)
Nor did anybody at my old school explain why we should concentrate on higher things. Paul has the answer to that one too. When you focus on Jesus Christ and His truth and plan for your life, you are not easily swayed. You are firmly fixed and established in light of God’s victory. He says, “this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Now I understand what “higher things are” and why I should “seek them”. The understanding has added to my love for Johnson Oatman’s 19th century hymn:
I’m pressing on the upward way, New heights I’m gaining every day; Still praying as I onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
I want to scale the utmost height and catch a gleam of glory bright; But still I’ll pray till rest I’ve found,“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”