Before I begin, it might help if you read Colossian 3:1-17 again. (Go ahead. I’ll wait.)
Romans 6 talks about how our union with Christ is so complete that we died with Him and were raised with him to new life. Colossians 3:1-17 details some of the ways our new life radically changes how we live. Verses 5-11 outline the things we are to stop doing (the things we are to “put to death” or “take off”) while 12-17 define the things we are to start doing (the things we are to “clothe ourselves” with or “put on”). All this began in 3:1-4 and so this is where we will place our focus.
Yes, God planned the new life. Yes, Jesus paid for it. Yes, the Spirit empowers it. But what is it that you and I do in this process of taking off and putting on? Well, it all begins with a choice we make. What will I choose to long for? What will I choose to think about? What worldview will I allow to guide my decisions?
“Since you have been raised to new life in Christ, set your heart and your mind on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” The heart is the seat of the emotions and the executive center of our lives. The mouth speaks, the hands move and the body travels toward the things that fill the heart. Jesus said it is the contents of the heart that move us into sin (Matthew 15:19-20). So, setting my heart on things above requires me to let go of my attachments to things of this world and the only way to do that is to replace the evil desires of the heart with this one truth: I am not on the throne; Jesus is (Colossians 1:15-20).
Jesus is the one seated at the right hand of God; this is the place of greatest authority and influence. So, my union with Christ means that the One with the greatest authority and influence, is the One interceding and advocating for me with God. When it comes to whether or not God will accept me into His presence, my union with Christ means that no one can charge me with any sin that will stick. The Father is the one who justifies me and so it is impossible for me to be declared guilty or condemned. All this comes to me because of God’s steadfast and uninterruptable love for me (Romans 8:31-39)!
What would happen to the attitude within our hearts if we knew at the deepest core of our being that we were free? There is nothing to fear. There is no reason to get defensive or worried. Whether we live for nine years or ninety, whether we get nailed by a disease, suffer through terrible trials in our lives or experience the loss of all things seven times, our lives and our future are sound and secure. What would happen? Is it possible that our hearts would carry a different message, one that would be revealed in our lives? Is it possible that we’d start seeing our time on this planet as a single night in a bad motel or as a training ground for eternity with our Heavenly Father?
Slowly read and ponder the following quote. “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.” Not only is your life hidden with Christ, but Christ is your life. When God looks at your life, whose life does He see? When Christ returns then you also will appear with Him in glory. The Apostle John builds on this when he writes, “when He [Jesus] appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:2, 3).
How does the truth of who you are and who you will be impact the way you live and relate today? What security do you possess today? What glory awaits you tomorrow? What final transformation will happen to you when Christ returns?
What level of influence do you allow these things to have on your worldview?
For me, it all comes down to one question: Whose life am I enjoying right now? Is this my life or is my reality something far more profound and eternal? “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.”
As we round out the end of one year and head into the new, may I encourage you to spend some time meditating on Colossians 3:1-4? Start by memorizing this (you can do it!). As you repeat it several times each day, listen to what the Holy Spirit in you may be saying. Then, once you get these four verses linked into your brain, read 5-17 and see what else begins to bubble to the surface. Who knows, this might just put you on a life-changing journey to discover what it means to “set your heart and mind on things above.”
I join Paul in praying for you as he did for the Colossians, asking God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. I also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people, who live in the light.
Amen? Amen!!!!!
Walking with you,
Rob
