Eyes Fixed on Heaven

Her Strength and Grace: Eyes Fixed on Heaven

Colossians 3:2
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

We are living in a fast-paced and competitive world. Everyone wants to become successful and accomplished. Our priorities are often set around goals such as education, a career, financial stability, owning a home, marriage, and raising children. Some even add a relationship with God to their list, but that relationship is not always deeply rooted in commitment.

If we are to truly set our eyes on Heaven, we must be deliberate. We must actively seek a meaningful, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ.

Growing up with my grandmother, she would often remind us that we cannot live any way we please and still expect to make Heaven our home. She clearly stated that Heaven is for a prepared people. Therefore, along life’s journey, we must continually set our affections on things above.

When we focus on the right things, Jesus gives us renewed perspective and a transformed mindset. We are called to a higher standard of living — one marked by holiness, righteousness, and spiritual clarity. This is a call to heavenly mindedness.

Ellen G. White wrote in Steps to Christ:

“If we dwell upon the things seen and temporal, we shall be fitted for the society of the earthly and shall become more and more like them; but by beholding the things that are unseen and eternal, we shall be changed into the likeness of Christ.”
(Steps to Christ, p. 68)

This perspective shift is vital. The truth is, many of us work diligently for things that are temporary and have no eternal value. In the end, if we are not spiritually grounded, we may risk missing Heaven altogether.

I often find myself puzzled by individuals who abandon their spiritual walk or stop attending church when they face trials. Yet, these same individuals continue to show up faithfully to their jobs no matter what struggles they encounter. This reveals where their affections truly lie.

We must remember:
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
(Matthew 24:35)

Earthly things will pass away. The only things that endure are those connected to Christ and His eternal promises.

Ellen G. White also warned in Christ’s Object Lessons:

“Many are deceived. They mistake the excitement of feeling for the Spirit of God... Multitudes are still making the same mistake. They are rejecting the Word of God and setting their affections on things that perish.”
(Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 50)

The heart of the matter is this: if we are not intentionally fixing our eyes on Jesus and eternity, the distractions of the world will consume us. We must live each day with Heaven in view.

Let us reflect...

Change your focus
Are your thoughts fixed on what is fleeting, or are you anchored in what is eternal?

Be intentional
Seek God daily. Choose to cultivate a heart that values righteousness, peace, and purpose in Christ.

Guard your heart
As Proverbs 4:23 reminds us:
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

Your heart is the seat of your decisions, affections, and desires. What you allow in will eventually direct your path.

Let your affections rise higher
God calls us to more than earthly goals. He calls us to a life rooted in Him, rich in faith, and marked by hope that looks beyond this world.

Prayer

Lord, help me to set my affections on things above. Teach me to desire You more than anything this world can offer. Transform my heart and my mind, and give me strength and grace to live with eternity in view. May my life reflect a deep relationship with You, grounded in holiness and truth.