THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE -- Tomorrow:
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory" (Col 3:1-4)
Devotion 4 of 25
" . . . seek those things which are above . . . "
Completeness in Christ (Col 2:10) does not assume that completeness has been appropriated. Nor, indeed, does it suggest there is nothing more to be done once a person is in Christ Jesus. What God has provided must be obtained and maintained, else it will bring no advantage. I do not believe this is perceived by the average "church member." A lot of what I see taking place in the religious world appears to PRESUME the people are united to the Lord, accepted by Him, and in good standing with Him. There is little being said that promotes a healthy examination of oneself – an examination in which grace is prominent and faith is essential. As it is written, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (2 Cor 13:5).
There is altogether too little talk about eternal things, things in heavenly places, and realities located where Christ is seated at the right hand of the majesty in the heavens. Whatever explanation may be offered for this circumstance, it is not acceptable. Our text brings us to consider the real situation of those who are in Christ Jesus. Because of this, it does not fit into an institutional setting. Men will not be able to capitalize upon it, so that a religious empire can be built upon it, or an individual can obtain fame before the people of this world. What is now set before us has to do with life in Christ Jesus. It relates to salvation, redemption, reconciliation, and acceptance with God. It pertains to a preparation to stand before the Lord, and give an account for the deeds done in the body (2 Cor 5:10). This directly impacts upon living acceptably to God in this present world.
SEEK THOSE THINGS
" . . . seek those things . . . " Other versions read, "keep seeking the things" (NASB), "set your hearts on" (NIV), "give your attention to" (BBE), "you must look for" (NJB). and "set your sights on" (NLT). From these various translations, which reflect the diverse nuances of the word used, we gain the following perspectives.
1. This is not a one-time action, but is something that is to be done continually – "keep seeking" (NASB).
2. This is an inward matter, involving the expression of the real person – "set your heart" (NIV).
3. It requires focus, and is not something that may be done casually – "give your attention to" (BBE).
4. This is something that is imperative. It is not an option – "you must look for" (NJB).
5. There is an ultimate objective involved, and the individual is intent upon realizing it – "set your sights on" (NLT).
First, let it be clear that this is something that is expected of those risen with Christ. It is something for which new life is adapted, and whereby it is sustained. If the professing believer chooses to ignore this summons, it will be at personal eternal peril.
Second, when a person comes into Christ, he is not delivered a neat spiritual package that contains every required resource. Initially, the one who is born again is reconciled to God (Col 1:20), receives remission (Acts 10:43), has his name written in heaven (Heb 12:23), receives the Holy Spirit (Gal 4:6), and possesses peace with God (Rom 5:1). Not only are these NOT the whole of the matter, each of them must be sustained in a hostile, condemned, and passing world. Moreover, resources outside of self and nature are required to maintain them.
Right here, the professed church has failed miserably. Its message has produced great masses of people who have any valid idea about the words of this text. For the most part, particularly in the Western world, the approach of the common church to the Scriptures, assemblies, preaching, teaching, fellowship, prayer, and holiness betray a near-total absence of interest in the "things of the Spirit of God" (1 Cor 2:14).
However, where there are tender and sensitive hearts, this kind of stultifying environment is like "pricks" in their eyes, and "thorns" in their sides (Num 33:55). Whether they choose to accept it or not, such an environment is altogether unsuitable for the culturing of spiritual life, preparation for the judgment, and getting ready to be forever with the Lord – and those are all things that MUST be done! The truth of the matter is that many professed "churches" are nothing more than community clubs, where friend meets friend, and congenial, but earthly, associations are nurtured. Such surroundings do not require God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, or the Holy Spirit. They are not a realm in which holy angels minister, or a consciousness of heavenly realities is promoted.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for providing an environment in Christ where spiritual life can be nurtured and brought to maturity.