“Sept 27, 2024 - Seek Things Above”

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Seek Things Above

Reading:  Colossians 3:1-11
    
    Paul positions us between a great past salvation (“if then you have been raised with Christ”, Col 3:1) and a vibrant future hope (“when Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory”, Col 3:4).  We have participated in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, putting away our sinful past (Col 2:11-13, 3:1).  But we don’t yet have the full life and glory we anticipate.  So how do we live in the in-between time?

    First, Paul encourages us to “seek the things that are above, where Christ is”(Col 3:1) and to “set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth”(Col 3:2).  We keep our eyes on Jesus.  We do not merely react to worldly events, pursue worldly interests, or hope for worldly joys.  Jesus has shown us what truly matters about life—humility, compassion, sacrifice, service, transformation, love—and we continue to focus on these priorities in daily living and relationships.  Second, Paul tells us to “put to death what is earthly in you:  sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry”(Col 3:5).  Real life-change is our task.  Some behaviors and attitudes are no longer fitting, given who our master now is.  Evil desires (including inappropriate sexual relationships) must be “put to death.”  Several manifestations of anger and bitterness are singled out (Col 3:8).  Lying is inappropriate as we become new people (Col 3:9).  Each of these verses speaks to an intense process of learning new habits, addressing character flaws, choosing to speak differently, and embracing forgiveness.  We undertake these tasks for two reasons:  such behavior will bring God’s wrath (Col 3:6) and it is incompatible with following Jesus (Col 3:9-10).

    Each day disciples must consciously choose to “seek the things that are above, where Christ is.”  What does Jesus think about me, my life, my relationship, my words, and my behavior?  What does Jesus want me to accomplish?  What does Jesus think about the world around me?  These thoughts naturally lead me to examine what parts of my life need to be “put to death.”  We cannot afford to merely react to the earthly concerns around us; we must “seek the things that are above.”

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One Thing to Think About: How will I seek things above today? 

One Thing to Pray For:   Clarity to see what is earthly in myself
 

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