FRIDAY March 25, 2022

Set Your Mind on Things Above

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4

Paul defended the truth of God’s Word. He also connected doctrine with duty by giving instructions in living the Christian life. He told believers to seek those things which are above. They were to live in newness of life––the resurrected life––dying to self, but raised with Christ. In their Christian life, they were to have spiritual standards and keep an eternal perspective.

The word “if” means “since then.” It speaks of the position of the believer who is in Christ Jesus. The word to seek means to “strive earnestly.” If believers are raised with Christ, they must strive earnestly to follow His example and seek a life with an eternal perspective.

In Colosse, Christian faith brought a new concept into the pagan society in which they lived. What a Christian believed had a definite connection to how they behaved. Believers were empowered by the Holy Spirit to live the Christian life. Pagans could witness their genuine transformation. Yet if there was no true change, Christianity would have been deemed fake, because there was no power visible to live the Christian life. Pagans would also conclude that there was no Jesus Christ.

Paul reminded Christians that they were to be dead to sin, no longer walking in their worldly ways, but having a life hidden with Christ in God. They should not get caught up with the things of this world. When Jesus prayed to His Father, He said of His followers: “...they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:14). Christians are not of this world!

As believers, we are to divorce the world––separate from it. The world only offers emptiness. Continually seek the things that are above––reading your Bible, going to church, and praying. Pursue eternity.

Suppose you could gain everything in the whole world, and lost your soul. Was it worth it?
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!