LIVING AS THOSE MADE ALIVE IN CHRIST - PART 2

Paul's explanation of Christ as the focus of our mindset and authority is the key to acknowledging that there is a difference between godly wisdom and worldly desires. Paul explains that Christ is from above, and He's seated at the right hand of God. Jesus said in John 8:23 (ESV), "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world." However He was in the world bodily, at the time He made this vital statement. This means that He was quite conscious of where He belongs, even though He was on earth. And this is exactly what and where apostle Paul wants to get our understanding and attention to.

Reference: Colossians 3:1-3 New International Version (NIV) "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

To have a little idea of what Paul is saying, let us consider Jesus' walk on earth. Jesus walked and spoke in a manner which others on earth have never seen or heard before. He spoke differently and declared words of faith with certainty. He truly functioned as a Person from above by origin, and He expressed His superior and divine nature while on earth. He revealed the atmosphere of the heavenly and the divine to the people on earth and His views were far above the earthly and ordinary notions.

On the other hand, people on earth had their feelings and thought life shaped by earthly mindset, because they were more devoted to things of the earth. For this reason, they were earth-bound and functioned as purely human, unbelieving, unspiritual, unrenewed, and selfish men. For this reason, they were governed by corrupt passions and influenced by earthly, sensual views.

So Paul knew that unbelieving minds interpret many things from a low and earthly sense or perspective, because they are of this world. In other words, unbelievers reason and act according to the sensual ideas of this world. So he reminded the Colossians, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."

In Christ, our views are heavenly and our words should be interpreted so, because we have a constant fellowship with God and the Holy Spirit dwells in us eternally. The opposite element is the world's view. Therefore, we must be governed by divine passion or desires, then think more of and live by such realities. But we can only do this by setting our hearts on things above, and not yield to earthly spirits and principles. When our minds are set on the things above, our conversations will be according to the course of it. So we must set our minds to conform to the truths of God's Word and walk under the influence of the God's Spirit in this world. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 1:3; Titus 2:13.

Exuberant Declaration: My mind is set on the things that are above and the realities are expressed in my thoughts, in my words and through my life. I am heavenly; hence my source and destiny are not of this world. My heart is full of divine views and the issues of my life are decided in light of the Word. My daily thoughts are filled with higher wisdom because I overflow with the divine life. Hallelujah!