1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
The second half of Paul’s letter to the Colossians takes the doctrine he focussed on and deals with specific applications.
Practically we should seek the things that are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father. Jesus included this idea in His model prayer for us, His disciples, in the line, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10). The idea is that we bring heavenly principles to our earthly living and not live for the worldly principles Paul has just highlighted in the previous chapter. We should also set our minds on heavenly things rather than things here on earth. We should be concentrating on the eternal, not the temporal. Don’t focus on what is seen, which is temporary, but on the unseen, which is eternal (2 Cor 4:18). We cannot become mature Christians if we don’t first determine in our minds to focus on doing things God’s way (Rom 12:1-2). Our focus should be on heavenly things because our life is hidden and bound in Christ. Our future is secure in Christ yet we will not experience all He has for us until He appears again. When Jesus returns, then we will also appear with Him in glory (1 John 3:2; 1 Cor 13:12).
Where is your focus? On heaven or earth? Everything else will fall into line behind your focus. If you’re not sure, check what takes up most of your time. More importantly what shifts for what? That area you are always making time for, and other things give way to, that is your focus.
Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan
Jesus’ Prayer: John 17-18