If you have been raised
“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.” (Colossians 3:1–4)
How many times have we read these few verses without pausing to consider the incredible truth that Paul is inspired to reveal? Pause with me a moment as you read this article and consider his words.
IF…you have been raised. If you are a child of God, your life is being transformed (Romans 12:1-2). And if that is the case, then your mind needs to be focused on greater things than this world offers. Things that are above…spiritual…eternal. Things that are where we want to be – with Christ and the Father in heaven.
SO…set your mind on these things that are worthy of occupying our thoughts. He stated it this way to the Philippians:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
We should control our thoughts and direct them toward things that are wholesome, righteous and worthy. This world has so much filthiness in it. It’s not worthy of our thoughts, but what God has revealed is worthy of consuming our thoughts all the time.
FOR…you have died. We are dead to sin and alive in Christ! Romans 6:11 states, “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Perhaps Galatians 5:16-17 will bring this into focus, “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other…” Being dead to sin and alive in Christ is more than a catch phrase or declaration. It is a way of life. We must think and walk by the Spirit and not allow ourselves to sink back into the darkness of sin. Choose your thoughts. Choose your actions.
WHEN Christ appears…you will appear with Him in glory. True, abundant life is in Christ. We won’t have life eternal anywhere else. When we have been working at transforming ourselves and our thoughts, following His will, and being cleansed by His blood, then there is glory that awaits us. He will come to collect His own and we will always be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)