If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-3)
Death is not something that brings happiness or joy into our lives, but the death described in these verses is one that we can get excited about. Because of this death, we are now “hidden with Christ in God”. How amazing is that! Our filthy, dirty, selfish life is dead and instead the life we live is now hidden with Christ in God. God no longer looks at us and sees our sin, rather he sees Jesus’ perfect righteousness!
It is because of this amazing death and exchange that we are to seek and set our minds on “things that are above”. In light of all that Christ has done for me, I should desire nothing less. Sadly, though, how quickly can the “things that are on earth” start to creep in and take over. Right? You know what I mean. The time spent on-line or flipping through a magazine that began as innocent rest and relaxation resulting in a restless, discontent, and even jealous heart. Maybe it is the phone conversation with a good friend that slowly begins to stink of gossip, even slander. Or, how quickly do we find, completely unaided, our minds wander to thoughts that, if we were completely honest we would admit, are tainted with worry, covetousness, bitterness (this would include stewing over how we have been wronged, or holding a grudge), and anger (maybe we dress it more appealing and call it frustration).
It would seem that is why in the verses that immediately follow Paul urges his readers to “put to death therefore what is earthly in you.” He goes on to name some of the things I mention. And lest we begin to think the secret sins of the heart and mind are somehow less offensive, he even equates covetousness with idolatry! On one hand we are dead to sin and covered in Christ’s righteousness, on the other we are daily to put sin to death – because of the first. We can only do this as we recognize our new identity as being dead to sin and “set our minds on things that are above”. Later in the chapter we are told to put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. We are told to bear with others, forgive, and above all to put on love. Just imagine with me the beautiful difference living like this would make in our lives and the lives of the people around us! This isn’t an unattainable goal or dream. This is who we are meant to be! Similar to putting off sin, this is accomplished “in Christ” as we “set our minds” and live out our new, true identity.
Would you join me today and be the person God has made you to be in Christ? If you are his child, that is your true identity after all.
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