We have probably all heard this phrase dozens of times, sadly, even from pulpits and pastors, “Some people are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good.” May I ask you how you react to that thought? Are you in agreement or do you stand up firm and established in God’s Word against the notion that a saint can think too much about the things of the Lord?
Is it possible to be too heavenly minded… is it possible to think too much about things above?
The third chapter of Colossians talks about the conduct of those who are raised up with Christ (all true believers). But that conduct comes from one place—knowing the truth about Christ—which, in turn, comes from one place—the Word of God. Paul’s whole letter has been written with an intense purpose—that every saint would be complete in Christ in order that they would not be deluded with persuasive arguments. Colossians 1:28, 2:4
Exactly how does Paul go about accomplishing his lofty goal? What is going to keep the saints at Colossae (and all saints) from being persuaded, convinced, or deluded by false teaching and false doctrine? He needs to convince them, and us, that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ—that they are found no place else—so that we would go to Christ for them and no place else!
How does he do that? By proclaiming Christ and Christ alone, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom. God, through Paul, emphatically orders saints to set their mind on things above and keep seeking things above.
Do we do that? Do we really do that?
To say that “some people are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good” is to speak against the Word of God; it contradicts the Word of God; it calls the very Word of God a lie! May it never be!
And yet, the phrase itself is often spoken from the loftiness of a lectern in an average community church. It is given as an axiom to modify behavior—purposely indoctrinating the pew people to believe that the best way to behave is to hide their passion and zeal and, yes, obsession with the Word of God and the ways of God which naturally exude from true believers.
Why? Because men fear they won’t be received by men if they bear the wounds and wonders of the Lord Jesus Christ on their sleeves.
My point is this: the above saying pretends to have wisdom available to those who will listen to it. But it is false; it is folly to follow because it would require believing what man says rather than what God says. The “too heavenly minded” saying is the epitome of deception within the church. Disregard it, along with all other manmade wisdoms. They are false, and will lead to death. Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 16:25
Wisdom is found in Christ alone.
A respected commentary on Colossians I once read said something like this, “If I could give a principle of what Paul is trying to say here, that principle would be a rule. That rule would be this—it is unlawful for any Christian to ever seek knowledge other than in Jesus Christ.”
Does that sound too extreme? Is that principle actually true? Is that what Paul is saying? Is it unlawful for a Christian to seek wisdom and knowledge other than in Christ?
2 Peter 1:2 tells us that everything, absolutely everything we need for life and godliness are found through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His Own Glory and excellence. His divine power grants us this in Christ Jesus.
Do I believe it? Yes.
Do you believe it? I hope so.
Belief determines our conduct…
