“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. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)
To the world, the Christian life can look like a wasted life — so much time spent worshiping God and serving other people. Why not take everything this life has to offer and make the most of its pleasures?
Why not? Because we have been raised with Christ, and our lives are hidden with Christ in God. This doesn’t mean we live in some fantasy world. Nor does it mean we cut ourselves off from the joys of life.
We still live, work, and play in this world, but culture’s current trends don’t mold our minds, and life’s disappointments don’t crush our hearts. For our hearts are set on the glorious home that Jesus has prepared for us. And so, we set our minds to desire what God wants and walking in God’s ways.
Yes, this makes us look like poor, pitiful fools to the world, but our value comes not from what people see. Our value comes from what God sees. Jesus wraps himself around those who trust in him. So, when God looks at us, he sees one that he loves. He sees one with whom he is incredibly pleased. He sees one who is beautiful and blameless. He sees one who is devoted to our first love, Jesus.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, what grace that I am known, and I am treasured by you. Help me to show this same grace without measure. Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
