“If you then were raised with Christ, desire those things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth. For you are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then you also shall appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4; Read verses 1-17)

Raised to a New Focus
In our baptism, a profound exchange took place. By the working of the Holy Spirit, we were joined to Jesus Christ in both His death and His resurrection. Our old, sinful nature — that “Adam” within us that rebels against God — was crucified and put to death on the cross with Jesus. But the story did not end at the grave. Just as Christ was raised by the glory of the Father, we have been raised to a brand-new life.

Because we are now “hidden with Christ in God,” our perspective on the world must change. By natural birth, we inherited sin and death. By our “washing of rebirth,” we have inherited eternal life. If Christ is our life, why would we anchor our hearts to a world that is passing away? Paul urges us not to obsess over earthly status, material gains, or man-made rules, but to focus on what Christ is doing: gathering His Church to Himself and saving lost souls for an eternal kingdom.

The Daily Battle: Putting Off and Putting On

Being a Christian in this world means living with two natures. We have the “new nature,” created by the Spirit to love and honor God, but we still carry the “old nature,” which remains prone to selfishness and doubt. This creates a constant internal struggle.

St. Paul provides a practical “wardrobe change” for the soul:

• Put to Death (Mortify) — We must actively reject the deeds of the old nature — sexual immorality, impurity, greed (which is idolatry), anger, and lying. We do not excuse these sins; we confess them, trusting that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

• Put On (Embrace) — As God’s “holy and beloved” children, we are called to clothe ourselves in mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, and longsuffering. We forgive others just as Christ freely forgave us.

Love: The Bond of Perfection

At the center of this new life is love (agape). This isn’t just a feeling; it is the selfless, sacrificial love God showed us by sending His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Paul calls love the “bond of perfection” because it is the motivation behind all other virtues. When we love God and our neighbor, we are fulfilling the heart of His Law — not to earn salvation, but because we have already been saved by His grace.

Doing All in His Name

The goal of the Christian life is to once again reflect the image of God, just as humanity did before the Fall. Instead of speaking and acting for our own glory, we now live for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Whether we are at work, at home, or in the community, verse 17 serves as our ultimate guide: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” When we live this way, our lives become a song of thankfulness for the forgiveness we possess and a beacon of light to a world that desperately needs the Savior.

Prayer

Dearest Jesus, my Savior and my life, keep my eyes fixed on You and the glories of heaven. Forgive me for the times I let my earthly nature rule my heart. By Your Spirit, put to death the sin within me and clothe me in Your love and kindness. Grant that all I say and do would bring glory to Your name, so that others, too, may come to know the life and peace found only in You. Amen.

[Scripture from The Holy Bible, Modern English Version, Copyright © 2024, 2017, 2014 by United Bible Association, Published and distributed by Charisma House. All rights reserved.]