One of my favorite NT books is Colossians. There is something about that letter that delights and uplifts my soul when I’m tired or discouraged or battling that unseen enemy of our soul. And I always read it kind of funky. I begin with Chapter 3, verses 1 to 4. Then after I have that deep in my mind and heart, I go back and start reading from the beginning.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and 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.” [Col 3:1-4 NIV]
Now that really gets me energized. Paraphrased.
Realize beloved, it’s very true, you have already been raised to life with Christ. Your life is now, in the present, hidden and secure with Christ in God. And there is coming that unbelievable day … when Christ returns to set up His eternal kingdom, you will be with Him, sharing in His glory as King of kings and Lord of lords. So quit worrying about the things of this present time and present place, those earthly things that will soon pass away. Focus your mind, your heart, your energies on eternal things.
Perhaps nothing ministers to my soul more than knowing that I am already raised with Christ. Yes, my physical self is still subject to the decay found in the present, but my life, my real life, is already seated with Christ in the heavenlies. Paul reaffirmed that truth in Ephesians 2:6: “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” [NIV]
Father, remind me to look at my life not with my physical eyes, which can only behold my physical self. Help me to see with spiritual eyes and know that I am safe, secure, and hidden with Christ. Amen.
