Whenever I struggle spiritually, and yes, even though I write daily about pursuing God’s Presence in our lives and living out our faith, I still struggle at times. I wish I were perfect, but perfect I am not. I am forgiven. I am encouraged by my Savior to press on. I am strengthened by God’s Spirit to be more like Christ Jesus. But perfect … not hardly.
Anyway, when I struggle, I oft return to Colossians 3, especially those first four verses in that chapter. “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.”
I am always encouraged by this section because of its past tense phrases, its present tense phrases, and its future tense phrases.
Past Tense: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ … For you died.” The very moment we accepted the Father’s invitation of salvation through Christ Jesus we died to our old life and were raised to where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Present Tense: “Set your heart on things above …. Set your mind on things above …. Your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Christ, who is your life ….” My life is now hidden with Christ in God. That is where my heart and my thoughts should be focused.
But oh, that Future Tense: When Christ appears … then you will also appear with him in glory.”
I am His. (Done Deal!) I set my heart and my mind on Him through the present struggles. My struggles will end, and I shall be with Him forever.
Thank you, Precious Savior. Amen & Amen
