"So if 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 (NRSV)
Prodigal Thoughts: The apostle Paul is at it again. Giving direction to the people of God’s church and encouraging continual growth and maturity. Now, with this, I’m not trying to add or take away anything from scripture, but I’m going to play with Paul’s sentence structure just a little, just to help with understanding. We know that Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father. We know that from the Apostle’s Creed as well as portions of scripture. And if you have been raised with Christ (think baptism – raised to walk in a newness of life – a life no longer your own), then seek the things that are above. Above what? Paul could be talking about heaven here. We are not exactly sure. Perhaps Paul is sharing with the church of Colossae the same idea of being above reproach that he is telling his son (in the faith) in 1 Timothy 3:2. Being beyond or above reproach means that we live in a manner where no criticism can be made against us or the Christ in us. When we receive Christ into our lives, we are simultaneously saying that God’s way are better than our own and so we lay down the idea of our lives as we know it and pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus. I’m not saying that this is what this verse says, but it certainly makes one ponder on what Paul could have intended. It would be in line with the teachings of Christ and also of Paul. Just something to think about.
Prayer for today: Today, I pray that we would truly seek the things that please the heart of God. That we would maintain our surrender to what God desires to teach us and how He desires for us to mature spiritually, not lacking anything. I pray that by living in this way that is pleasing to our Creator, that others around us will be able to clearly see the Christ in us and be drawn to the Father and be saved.
If you need prayer, please reply and I will pray for you. If you would like to talk about this verse or have questions, I’m always open for your feedback.
God’s grace on you…
Prodigal Thinker 