Scripture Text: 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.
Colossians 3:1
When I was in kindergarten, my teacher asked me what was my dream. I answered, "I dream to be a doctor because I want to cure ill people", then I was asked the same question when I was in sixth grade and I answered differently from what I did before.
Our dreams, goals, and beliefs change overtime and that includes the reason behind it. They are sometimes influenced by things we see, people we are with, and what we really want, but as a Christian who is already a new creation, anything and everything that we should do should give glory to God not on our terms, but on His terms.
Apostle Paul is emphasizing the importance of the result that us being alive in Christ is a re-established perception, emotion, thought, desire, and purpose. This will never be attained by man's power, religion, good works, or even sacrificing one's life for the sake of others, but only through the reconciliation of our broken relationship with Christ who has all authority as God's only begotten Son and the heir of all things.
This is the reason why we have to refrain from losing our focus knowing that we are no longer of this world nor in sin, but we died in sin and are living only for Christ and not for anyone else, not even for ourselves, because from the time that we have repented, we were born again. We were once born of sin but now born in the Spirit.
Being born in the Spirit means we are no longer desiring fleshly and selfish desires to satisfy our earthly cravings, but are aiming for the things that are eternal which is honorable to the Lord. The world will never agree with God's standards nor God will ever compromise to the world's standards, so we should never compromise as well because we were not redeemed to keep on sinning and offending the God who loved us with an unconditional love.
We know in the end, Christ will appear and redeem us, His people, and we will forever be with Him and enjoy His presence forever.
Reflect
1. Do we deny ourselves everyday to please God?
2. Do we desire heavenly things more than the earthly rewards?
3. Does God weigh more in your life than anything in this world?
Remember
God in Christ has redeemed us from sin and those that are in Christ live for Him and for His glory.
Read
Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 37:3-6; James 4:1-4; Matthew 16:24-26; Romans 8
Pray
Our merciful Father who has saved us from our sins and freed us from sin's captivity, we are forever grateful for making this miracle possible. Teach our minds and hearts to see the beauty in finding pleasure in pleasing You alone. Melt our hard hearts to a heart that longs and faints for You and Your presence alone, for we know that we cannot desire You with our flesh, but only by the power of the Spirit. Let our hearts beat only for You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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