Scripture Reading(s)
Colossians 3:1-4
3:1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,
3:3 for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
3:4 When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
Reflections
Being a Christian means that we get the ultimate privilege of one day spending eternity with Him. Until that day comes, our hope should be set on looking forward to it. Our eyes should be so transfixed on this joyous day that nothing should block or hinder our gaze.
At the point of conversion, all that once mattered to us on earth no longer holds great significance to us. Our true meaning of life, joy,peace and happiness is now rooted in Christ. We can live our lives with great joy knowing that we have an eternal purpose waiting for us. We no longer have to try and find meaning in our jobs, spouses, children, friends or hobbies. Those things are merely an added bonus to the on going relationship with have with God.
Our worries, stresses, fears no longer have a hold on us because we serve a God who is now in charge of our lives and will take care of our needs and give us eternal security in Him. Even to the point of death, it is no longer a fearful concept because through a relationship with Christ, we know that whether we die or are taken up with Him in the end, we will be with Him forever.
Trust in God’s eternal security and keep living life each day in the light of His Grace. We have a long awaited heavenly home that we will one day be a part of. Look forward to that day and find joy in Him until that day comes.
Paul’s insistence that we keep our minds on things above is buffeted by the fact that we are aliens here on earth. We are not permanent residence, but temporary. We have a home prepared for us in Heaven, with the Father. We must live our lives according this fact. We do ourselves no favors by taking on the mindset of the world.
The world lives to serve itself. It lives to please itself. It rewards greed and hate. Yet, the Lord rewards justice and righteousness. The mind of Christ is not like the mentality of the world. That is why the Apostle John said;
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
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