A Colossians 3:1-5 Devotional
Hey, Beautiful Souls!
Today, March 20, 2025, we’re deep into our Journey Through Lent: 40 Days from Ashes to Alleluia, stretching from March 5 to April 19. It’s a time to reflect, repent, and refocus our hearts on Jesus as we prepare for the joy of Easter. I don’t know about you, but Lent always feels like a gentle nudge from God to slow down, and realign my priorities.
I’m so excited to dive into Colossians 3:1-5 with you today. This passage is a powerful reminder to set your mind on things above, especially during this Lenten season when we’re called to let go of distractions and draw closer to Christ. Let’s explore what it means to live with a heavenly perspective, even amid our beautifully broken messes, and how we can apply this truth to our daily walk with Jesus.
The Heart of Colossians 3:1-5 (NIV)
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. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
This passage is a call to action for every Creative Jesus Girl. Paul reminds us that because we’ve been raised with Christ, our hearts and minds should be fixed on heavenly things—on Jesus Himself—rather than the fleeting distractions of this world. Lent is the perfect time to put this into practice, as we intentionally turn away from sin and toward the One who gives us true life.
Raised with Christ: A New Perspective
Let’s start with the first part of this passage: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Paul begins with a foundational truth: if you’ve accepted Jesus as your Savior, you’ve been raised with Him. Your old self—the one weighed down by sin and shame—died with Christ on the cross, and you’ve been given new life through His resurrection. That’s the gospel, and it changes everything about how we live.
But here’s where it gets real: even though we’re new creations, we often live like we’re still stuck in the old life. I know I do. Just last week, I found myself spiraling into worry over something I had already given to God, completely forgetting to trust His timing. My heart was set on earthly things—instead of on Jesus, who is seated at the right hand of God, interceding for me.
Colossians 3:1 is a wake-up call to shift our perspective. During Lent, we’re invited to let go of those earthly worries and fix our hearts on Christ, who reigns above all. If you’re looking for more ways to focus on Jesus this season, check out our Lenten devotional on Psalm 42:1, where we explore longing for God like a deer for water. What would it look like for you to set your heart on things above this season? Maybe it’s releasing a fear you’ve been holding onto or choosing to trust God with a situation that feels out of control.
Setting Our Minds on Heavenly Things
Paul doesn’t stop with our hearts—he also tells us to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This is where the rubber meets the road. Our thoughts have so much power over how we live. If my mind is consumed with earthly things—like stress over my to-do list or comparison on social media—I’m going to live in a state of anxiety and discontentment. But if I set my mind on things above—like God’s promises, His love, and His eternal kingdom—I’ll find peace that surpasses understanding.
I’ll be honest: this isn’t always easy for me. A few months ago, I was struggling with envy while scrolling through Instagram, seeing other Creative Jesus Girls share their faith journeys. My mind was so focused on what I didn’t have that I forgot the incredible truth of Colossians 3:3: “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”
My worth isn’t in my accomplishments or how I measure up—it’s in Christ. Lent is a season to intentionally shift our focus, to remind ourselves that our true life is hidden with Jesus, safe and secure in His love. Where is your mind wandering these days? Are you dwelling on earthly things, or are you setting your thoughts on the eternal hope we have in Christ?
Putting to Death the Earthly Nature
Paul gets practical in verse 5: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” This part of the passage always hits me hard. Lent is a season of repentance, a time to confront the sins that pull us away from God and to put them to death.
Paul lists specific sins here—things like greed and lust—but the root of them all is idolatry. When we set our minds on earthly things, we’re essentially making those things our gods, placing them above Jesus in our hearts.
For me, greed often shows up in subtle ways, like wanting more recognition for my work or chasing material things to feel secure. I remember a time during last year’s Lent when I felt convicted about my obsession with buying new things—items I didn’t need but thought would make me feel “complete.”
God gently reminded me through this verse that true fulfillment comes from Him, not from stuff. As Creative Jesus Girls, we’re called to examine our hearts this Lent and ask: What earthly desires are we clinging to? Maybe it’s a habit, a mindset, or a relationship that’s pulling you away from God. Colossians 3:5 challenges us to put those things to death, to let them go so we can fully embrace the life Christ has for us.
The Promise of Glory
Here’s the beautiful hope tucked into this passage: “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” This verse reminds us that our journey doesn’t end with putting sin to death—it ends with glory. Jesus is our life, our hope, and our future. As we walk through Lent, we’re not just saying no to sin; we’re saying yes to the promise of eternity with Him.
This gives us the strength to keep going, even when repentance feels hard. We’re not just giving up earthly things for the sake of sacrifice—we’re making room for the glory of Christ to shine in our lives by setting our minds on things above. I love how this promise ties into the Lenten journey. These 40 days are leading us toward Easter, the ultimate celebration of Christ’s victory over sin and death.
When we set our minds on things above, we’re preparing our hearts to fully experience the joy of resurrection Sunday. It’s a reminder that the struggles of this season—whether it’s fasting, repenting, or letting go of distractions—are worth it because they lead us closer to Jesus, our true life.
Where is Jesus calling you to focus on His glory this Lent? How can you hold onto this promise as you navigate the challenges of these 40 days?
How to Set Your Mind on Things Above During Lent:
Practical Steps
So, how do we live out Colossians 3:1-5 during this Lenten season? Here are some practical steps to help you set your mind on things above as a Creative Jesus Girl:
- Start Your Day with Scripture: Before you check your phone or dive into your to-do list, read a few verses that remind you of God’s promises. Colossians 3:1-5 is a great place to start—let it be your anchor each morning. Reflect on how these words can guide your thoughts throughout the day.
- Pray for a Heavenly Perspective: Ask God to help you focus on Him, especially when distractions creep in. When you catch your mind drifting to earthly worries—like stress or comparison—pause and pray, “Lord, set my mind on things above. Help me see this situation through Your eyes.”
- Identify and Release Earthly Desires: Take some time this week to examine your heart. What earthly desires are pulling you away from God? Maybe it’s a habit of worry, a desire for control, or a struggle with comparison. Write down one thing you can “put to death” during Lent, and commit to replacing it with a focus on Christ—perhaps by reading a devotional or spending extra time in prayer.
- Memorize Colossians 3:2: Commit this verse to memory: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Write it on a note and place it somewhere you’ll see it daily—like your bathroom mirror or your workspace. Let it be a constant reminder to realign your thoughts with God’s truth.
- Reflect on Christ’s Glory: As you journey through Lent, take time each day to think about the promise of glory in verse 4. Jesus is your life, and one day, you’ll appear with Him in glory. How does this truth give you hope? Let it fuel your desire to live for Him, even when the sacrifices of Lent feel challenging.
These steps are simple but powerful ways to live out Colossians 3:1-5. They’ll help you focus on Jesus, let go of distractions, and prepare your heart for the joy of Easter. As you practice setting your mind on things above, you’ll find that your perspective shifts, bringing you closer to the peace and purpose God has for you.
Table of Contents
Creative Resources: Tools to Deepen Your Lenten Journey
Creative Jesus Girl is all about encouraging your faith walk and equipping your creative journey. And friends, I am excited about my newest series Free Lent Creatives, now available! All tailored for our Journey Through Lent: 40 Days from Ashes to Alleluia—download them now! You’ll find them on the menu above or just click the link. Think beautifully designed Journaling, Prayer, Note, Scripture, Bible Study Cards, Mini Bible Journaling, and Scripture Kits – all created to help you grow this Lenten Season.
Download your freebies now and let’s journey through Lent together! I’d love to see how you’re using them. Share your insights and creations with #CreativeJesusGirl – I can’t wait to see your faith shine! Want even more? Explore my full Scripture Journaling Kits over on my Patreon for past kits, or grab the full Scripture Journaling Kit for your Lenten deep dive. These are yours to enjoy, beautiful souls—let’s create and grow together!
Prayer: A Heartfelt Cry to Focus on Jesus
Father, I come before You today with a heart that longs to set my mind on things above. Thank You for the truth of Colossians 3:1-5, which reminds me that I’ve been raised with Christ and my life is hidden with Him in You. During this Lenten season, help me to fix my heart and mind on You, letting go of the earthly distractions that pull me away from Your love.
Show me the areas where I need to put sin to death and give me the strength to surrender them to You. Fill me with hope as I reflect on the promise of glory, knowing that one day I’ll appear with Jesus in Your presence. I pray for every Creative Jesus Girl reading this—that You would draw her closer to You, renew her spirit, and help her set her mind on things above.
Thank You for being our true life, Lord. Amen.
Final Thoughts & Connect with Creative Jesus Girl
Unlock Peace: Set Your Mind on Things Above This Lent
Sweet friend, Colossians 3:1-5 is a beautiful reminder that our true life is found in Jesus, not in the fleeting things of this world. As we journey through Lent, let’s commit to setting our minds on things above, trusting that God will meet us with His peace, love, and hope. I pray this passage encourages you to let go of distractions, put sin to death, and hold fast to the promise of glory that awaits us. What’s one way Jesus is calling you to focus on Him this Lent? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below—I’m here to cheer you on!
Let’s stay connected, Creative Jesus Girl! Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, and LinkedIn for more faith-filled encouragement. Use the hashtag #CreativeJesusGirl to share your journey—I can’t wait to see how God is working in your life. If this devotional blessed you, share it with a friend using the social share buttons below. I’m Debbie, a Jesus girl passionate about Jesus, and sharing creative faith, and I’m so grateful to walk this journey with you—learn more about me here. Let’s keep seeking Jesus together!
