What Does It Mean to Be Heavenly Minded?

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  Colossians 3:1-2

A heavenly minded person is best described as:

a. Drifting Dreamer

b. Judicial Judgmentalist

c. Lousy Loser

d. Radical Realist

Last time we looked at the phrase: “too heavenly minded to be any earthly good.” We decided, at least I did, that Christians are, surprisingly, supposed to be heavenly minded. Today we consider what it means to be heavenly minded.

Drifting Dreamer – If you chose “a” you are probably in the majority and totally wrong. Most folks believe the heavenly minded have their heads in the clouds and just don’t get the realities of life. The problem with this view is that this world is not all there is. In fact, it’s heaven that is of eternal significance and it’s very wise to have one’s mind planted there.

Judicial Judgmentalist – If you chose “b” you are probably a unrepentant sinner. Sorry about that. These folks think the heavenly minded look down on everyone else from above and wrongly find fault with all they see. The problem with this view is that all are indeed “at fault.” We call this sin. The heavenly minded have just found forgiveness in Christ. Admittedly some “heavenly minded” do seem to obsess over the sins of others and, thus, seem judgmental. They are just immature and hopefully through their growth in Christ they will get over this childish stage and learn to lovingly share forgiveness through repentance.

Lousy Loser – Some folks think the heavenly minded are those who can’t make it in this world and thus are placing their bets on success in the next. In part this is based on the heavenly minded having a radically different idea of success. Their rejection of the pride of material acquisition and peer acclamation make them stand apart. Some folks truly are lousy losers, but you can distinguish them from the truly heavenly minded by the way they love one another.

Radical Realist – If you chose “d” you are wise beyond your years and beyond earthly understanding. It is only the heavenly minded who recognize what is truly real and eternal. They see this world as it is, a dim reflection of the glory of Him who created it, a beautiful, but temporary thing. They don’t live in dreams but in hope. They don’t wallow in judgment but actively work for conversion. They lose their lives and thereby gain them. They see clearly and that clarity motivates them to live the kingdom life and to expand that kingdom to those who are earth bound.

Thanks for playing, but understanding heavenly mindedness is much more than a game, it’s what life is all about.