DEVOTION, Jan 5, 2020

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1, NIV).

Paul refers to Christians as those who have been raised with Christ. Our final resurrection has not yet happened, but Paul speaks of it as a present reality. As a Christian, we are spiritually joined to Christ, and where He is, we are there with Him. We have already been raised to new life by faith in Jesus. Therefore, we are to set our hearts on things that are above.  What does that mean? “These “things” include deeper knowledge of Christ, closer fellowship with Him, the experience of His resurrection power, victory over sin (vv. 5–11); the development of godly virtues (vv. 12–17); the fulfillment of domestic and social responsibilities (3:18—4:1); an effective prayer life (4:2); fruitfulness in witnessing (4:3–6)—in a word, the attainment of Christian maturity, and all the spiritual benefits God has for His people during their days on earth. To have been raised with Christ and not to seek these blessings would be a contradiction.” (Quest Study Bible).

We are so often caught up in things below. Personal problems, family problems, health issues, financial issues, and the like. Yes, we have to deal with things below, but we don’t want to be consumed by them. We want to continually remind ourselves that our real home is heavenly, and we want to focus on heavenly things. As we set our hearts on things above, we will find greater wisdom to deal with things below, primarily as we focus on Jesus. He will pour into us His wisdom and guidance. There is a saying, “Some people are so heavenly minded they are no earthly good.” I think a better aphorism would be, “Some people are so earthly minded they are no heavenly good.” The truth is we do have to cope with both things below and things above. Which one has priority?

Father, help me to remember who I am as a believer in Jesus. I am united with Him, and where He is, I am also. Help me to keep my main focus on the things above, especially on Jesus and all the things I possess because of Him. In His holy name, Amen.