Colossians 3:1–4 ‘Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.’ (v1)
We reach a sort of climax here as Paul says, ‘Since, then…’ With these words he signals to his readers that he’s laid the groundwork and he wants them to take notice.
For here is how they should live. Because they have died to their old life, they are now raised with Christ.
The false teachers have nothing on the true and living God, who is the source of all life. Note that Paul admonishes the Colossians twice (and by extension, us) to set their hearts and minds on heavenly things, not on earthly things.
They’ve been weighed down by these false rules and regulations, instead of finding their freedom in Christ.
All of that is behind them, Paul says, because now their life is ‘hidden with Christ in God’ (v3). What does this idea of being hidden with God mean to you?
It seems partly a mystery; we’ll not fully understand the depth of the meaning this side of heaven. And different shades of truth will speak to different individuals.
Some, for instance, might find comfort knowing that their identity is fully rooted in Christ, and that He knows them fully and still loves them unceasingly.
All the different parts of them are united in Him, and although others might not see the hidden parts, He does.
And not only does He see them, but He also redeems those who need cleaning up while strengthening the parts that need bolstering.
How about you? How can you set your heart and mind on things above today?
A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord God, please reveal to me what it means to be hidden in You. And help me to set my mind and heart on things above. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Through your imagination, set your heart on the city to come. Perhaps the sunshine will stream in, warming you and making you think of the light of the Lord.
Scripture To Consider:
Ps. 19:12–14; Prov. 3:5–6; John 14:1–4; Rom. 12:1–2
