Risen with Christ: Seeking the Eternal

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." - Colossians 3:1

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Colossians 3:1 states, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." This profound verse serves as a powerful reminder of our identity in Christ and the transformation that occurs when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. It calls us to a higher purpose and a new way of life that is marked by our association with Jesus, who is seated at the right hand of God, in a position of authority and honor.

The phrase "if ye then be risen with Christ" signifies the foundational truth of resurrection—not just of Christ, who triumphed over death, but also of believers who, by faith, are spiritually resurrected. When we embrace salvation, we are symbolically buried and raised with Christ (Romans 6:4). This new life empowers us to live in the fullness of His grace, granting us the ability to put aside our sinful nature and embrace our true identity as children of God. As we acknowledge this resurrection life, we are called to reflect on what seeking those things which are above truly means.

"Seek those things which are above"—here lies our challenge and our opportunity. To seek means to actively pursue; it requires intention and focus. In a world swirling with distractions, temptations, and priorities that often conflict with the teachings of Christ, we need to remain steadfast in our pursuit of heavenly things. What are these heavenly things? They include righteousness, love, peace, joy, and an eternal perspective on life. These qualities are not merely aspirational but are intrinsic to the nature of Christ Himself, who instructs us to embody these attributes.

The scripture emphasizes where we direct our focus. Our goal is not to strive for earthly accolades or material possessions that ultimately fade away but to orient our hearts towards heaven. Philippians 3:20 reminds us, "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." Eagerly anticipating Christ’s return should stir in us an urgency to align our lives with His will and priorities. This alignment ensures that, amid life's uncertainties, we remain anchored in hope and purpose.

Moreover, as we seek those things above, we must consider what it looks like to live in the reality of Christ's ascension and His sovereign reign at the right hand of God. Being seated there signifies comfort and authority; it tells us that Christ is not an idle observer but an active participant in our lives, interceding on our behalf. With this understanding comes the reassurance that we are never alone in our struggles. Instead, we can draw strength from the knowledge that the One who offers us guidance and direction is positioned at the highest place of honor.

The pursuit of heavenly things also involves a transformative process. Romans 12:2 exhorts us not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. As we meditate on God's Word and meditate on the calling of Christ, our thoughts and desires become more aligned with His. It's essential to cultivate a mindset that welcomes God’s wisdom and investigates the deeper meanings of faith, allowing His spirit to guide our everyday decisions.

In practical terms, seeking things above can manifest in daily habits: setting aside time for prayer, immersing ourselves in Scripture, serving others, and actively participating in a community of believers. Each small, deliberate action contributes to the broader mission of living as ambassadors of Christ, reflecting His love and grace in a world that desperately needs it.

In conclusion, as we navigate our earthly journey, let us remember who we are in Christ. We are raised with Him, transformed and empowered to seek those things which are above. Embrace the call to elevate your gaze toward the eternal, where Christ reigns. In doing so, we find purpose, peace, and an invitation to partake in His divine nature, shining a light that points others to Him.

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Colossians 3:1 - "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." - Colossians 3:1

Colossians 3:1-2 - "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."

Colossians 3:1-3 - "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."

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." - Colossians 3:1

Colossians 3:1-4 - "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Colossians 3:1-17 - "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. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

"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." - Colossians 3:1-2

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is 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

"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. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." - Colossians 3:1-17