What Are You Seeking?

Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1-3 (NASB95)

We live in a goal-oriented world. You may have grown up hearing phrases such as, “Keep your eye on the prize” or “If you’re not first, you’re last.” We often set our eyes on a goal, but is it the goal we should focus on?

If one tries to live as an obedient Christian in order to achieve the world, then one will ultimately fail. Our faith and hope are to be set on the things above, even as we remain aware of our mission here on earth. Seeking the things above is only possible because we have been raised with Christ. Paul explained this earlier when he wrote, “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead” (Col. 2:12). The old has been put away, and we now experience union with Christ. We are justified, sanctified, and will be glorified because of His saving grace.

When Pontius Pilate questioned Him about His authority, Jesus stated, “My Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Christ set an example of faithfulness to live a holy life on earth while keeping His mind on the things above. As Christ is seated at the Father's right hand, we have also been blessed with heavenly citizenship and should invest in things of eternal value.

King David’s mind was set on the things above when he wrote, “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple” (Psalm 27:4). David understood what his eternal home contained, reminding him to live this life with a heavenly perspective. Are you doing the same?

1. Am I doing things now that I will also be doing in heaven?

2. How might your life look different if you only sought the things above?

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Almighty Father, thank you for coming to earth and dying for us. Thank you for raising us up with you and giving us new life. Help us always remember the gift we have received and strive to please you by seeking the things above. In Jesus' name, Amen