3:2a

Set your minds on things above: This means almost the same thing as 3:1b. The slight difference is that “strive for” in 3:1b refers to strongly desiring things above, whereas Set your minds on in 3:2a refers to constantly thinking about things above, making them the center of your attention. However, if it is difficult to make such a distinction in your translation, you can use a synonym or even repeat the same words, if that is natural.

3:2b

not on earthly things: This contrasts with “things above” in 3:2a. Paul was telling the Colossians that they should not constantly think about earthly things. This refers to “things associated with this world.” There are two ways to interpret this:

(1) It could refer to the evil way people on earth behave (see SSA).

(2) It could refer more generally to ordinary activities of daily living.

Both of these interpretations are possible. Most English versions imply the second interpretation. The first interpretation above (1) seems to show this contrast most clearly, and so the Display follows it.

If you want to follow the second interpretation (2), you could say:

Always think about the things that concern your new life from God in heaven. Do not constantly think about the things of this world.

Whichever way you translate this phrase, you should make sure that it clearly contrasts with 3:2a.

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