Living as New Creations in Christ: Setting Our Minds on Heavenly Things
- Rich Wise
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
We belong to the Lord who rescued us from darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son. This transformation is not just a change in status but a new life made alive in Christ. Our identity is now hidden with Christ in God, seated with Him in heavenly places. This new reality calls us to live differently, setting our minds on things above rather than earthly desires. Understanding this truth shapes how we live, think, and pursue God’s will daily.
Our New Identity in Christ
When we receive Christ, we are adopted into God’s family through the Spirit of adoption. This means we are no longer slaves to darkness but children of light, made alive and new. The Bible says our life is now hidden with Christ in God, which means our true identity is secure and eternal. We are seated with Christ in heavenly places, sharing in His authority and victory.
This new identity affects how we view ourselves and the world. We are no longer defined by past mistakes, worldly values, or fleshly desires. Instead, we are defined by Christ’s righteousness and holiness. This transformation is ongoing as we grow into the likeness of Christ.
Setting Our Minds on Things Above
Our new life calls for a shift in focus. The mind is a battlefield where the old self and the new self contend for control. To live as new creations, we must set our minds on heavenly things, not earthly things. This means:
Prioritizing God’s kingdom and righteousness over material gain or temporary pleasures.
Rejecting the love of the world and its fleeting desires.
Pursuing truth, justice, mercy, and humility in daily life.
For example, instead of chasing success defined by wealth or status, we seek to honor God in our work and relationships. When tempted by selfish desires, we remind ourselves of our heavenly citizenship and eternal hope.
Putting on the New Self
The transformation into Christ’s likeness requires intentional action. The Bible instructs us to put on the new self, which is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This means:
Rejecting sinful habits and patterns that belong to our former life.
Making no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.
Embracing obedience to God’s will as a joyful response to His love.
Practical steps include daily prayer, reading Scripture, and fellowship with other believers who encourage growth. For instance, when faced with anger or impatience, we choose to respond with kindness and self-control, reflecting Christ’s character.
Living as Children of Light
As children of the light, we are called to live visibly different lives. This means:
Doing what is acceptable in God’s sight.
Not conforming to the patterns of this world.
Being transformed by the renewing of our minds.
This transformation is not a one-time event but a daily process. It involves examining our thoughts, attitudes, and actions to ensure they align with God’s standards. For example, choosing honesty over deceit, generosity over greed, and forgiveness over bitterness.
Holding Fast to Our Hope
Our hope is an eternal weight of glory that far outweighs present struggles. Because Christ is our life, when He appears, we will appear with Him in glory. Until then, we press on with endurance, running the race set before us. This means:
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Pressing toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ.
Living with purpose and perseverance despite challenges.
This hope motivates us to remain faithful and obedient, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Living as new creations in Christ means embracing a new identity, setting our minds on heavenly things, and living out our faith with intentionality. It requires daily renewal and a commitment to holiness, justice, mercy, and humility. As we hold fast to our hope in Christ, we can face life’s challenges with confidence and joy, knowing that our true life is hidden with Him in God.
Take a moment today to reflect on your identity in Christ and ask how you can set your mind more fully on the things above. Let this truth shape your thoughts, actions, and purpose as you live for the glory of God.
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