Colossians 3:1-4 - If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-4 speaks of the new life we have in Christ. As believers, we have been raised with Christ spiritually. Our old self has died, and our new life is now hidden with Christ in God. Because of this, Paul exhorts us to set our minds on heavenly things, not earthly things. We are to seek the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This passage emphasizes that as Christians, we have a new identity and a new focus. We are no longer defined by our earthly existence, but by our spiritual union with Christ. Our thoughts, desires and pursuits should be oriented towards heavenly realities, not worldly ones. Paul reminds us that Christ is our life. He is the source and sustainer of our new, resurrected life. And one day, when Christ returns, we will appear with Him in glory. This is the hope we have as believers - that our lowly bodies will be transformed to be like Christ's glorious body (Philippians 3:21). So in light of these truths, we are called to live differently. To put off our old, earthly ways of thinking and behaving, and to put on the new self, which is being renewed in the image of our Creator (Colossians 3:10). This is the essence of the new life we have in Christ - a continual process of transformation into His likeness.

The truths of Colossians 3:1-4 are both profound and practical. They speak to the very core of who we are as Christians, and how we are to live in light of our new identity in Christ. So often, we can get caught up in the things of this world - pursuing success, comfort, pleasure, or acceptance. We can easily become preoccupied with our earthly circumstances, whether good or bad. But Paul reminds us that as believers, we have died to this world. Our old self, with its worldly passions and desires, has been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). Instead, we have been raised to new life in Christ. We are now united with Him, and our life is hidden with Him in God. This means that our true identity, security and purpose are found in Christ alone. Nothing in this world can define us or satisfy us like He can. But this new life requires a new mindset. We must actively set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. This means filling our thoughts with the truth of God's Word, and seeking to view everything from an eternal perspective. It means valuing what God values, and pursuing His priorities above our own. This isn't always easy. We live in a world that is constantly vying for our attention and affection. The temptations and distractions are endless. But as we fix our eyes on Jesus, and seek the things that are above, we will find the strength and wisdom we need to live out our new life in Him. Ultimately, our hope is not in this world, but in the world to come. One day, Christ will return in glory, and we will appear with Him. On that day, our transformation will be complete, and we will experience the fullness of our new life in Him forever. So let us press on, seeking the things that are above, and living out our new life in Christ with purpose and passion. May we be a people who are not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). And may we shine as lights in this dark world, pointing others to the hope and new life that can only be found in Jesus.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the new life we have in Christ. Thank You that through His death and resurrection, we have been raised to new life in Him. Our old self has been crucified with Christ, and we are now hidden with Him in You. Help us, Lord, to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. May we seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that everything else will be added unto us. Give us an eternal perspective, that we may view our lives and circumstances in light of eternity. Forgive us for the times we have become distracted or preoccupied with the things of this world. Renew our minds and transform us by Your Spirit, that we may reflect the beauty and character of Christ to the world around us. Thank You for the hope we have in Christ's return. May this hope fill us with joy and peace as we eagerly await the day when we will appear with Him in glory. Until then, may we live out our new life in Christ with purpose, passion and perseverance. May we be a people who are not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds. And may we shine as lights in this dark world, pointing others to the hope and new life that can only be found in Jesus. We pray all this in Jesus' mighty name, Amen.